Two self-proclaimed Islamic clerics have been arraigned before the Federal High Court in Lagos for allegedly defrauding a medical doctor, Dr. Patrick Eloka Akaraiwe, of N280 million under the pretense of conducting spiritual rituals on the money.
The defendants, Saheed Atanda Aremu (44) and Tolani Osuolale (48), allegedly convinced the doctor to hand over a total of $200,000 (approximately N280 million at the time) in three installments.
They claimed the money needed to be “spiritually fortified” before it could be used to purchase property, warning that failure to do so could result in the doctor’s untimely death.
The men, who identified themselves as Islamic clerics (Alfas), were arraigned on Thursday on a five-count charge filed by the police, which includes conspiracy, obtaining by false pretence, fraud, and stealing.
According to police prosecutor Joseph Eboseremen, the offences were committed between November 19, 2020, and October 2023 in Ibadan, Oyo State, and Oworonshoki, Lagos State.
He told the court that the defendants falsely presented themselves as possessing spiritual powers capable of multiplying money and averting disaster, thereby manipulating the victim into giving up the funds.
The charges against them are said to violate several provisions of Nigerian law, including Sections 8(a), 1(2), 1(3), 2(b), 3(c), 516, 383, and 390 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud-Related Offences Act and the Criminal Code Act.
Both defendants pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Following their plea, the prosecutor requested a trial date and asked the court to remand the accused in a correctional facility.
Although the defence counsel informed the court that a bail application had been filed and served on the prosecution, the prosecutor requested additional time to respond.
Justice Daniel Osiagor subsequently ordered that the two men be remanded in prison custody and adjourned the case until July 18, 2025, for the hearing of the bail application.