A 37-year-old Benin Republic national, Gbese Peter has been arrested by the Ogun state police command for allegedly defrauding a couple, Mr and Mrs Bamigboye Alao of N5 million under the pretense of helping them overcome their spiritual problems and shielding their children from untimely death.
This was disclosed by the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Abimbola Oyeyemi.
The PPRO said the suspect was arrested following a complaint lodged at Sabo Police Station by Mrs Bamigboye.
He said; “The suspect was arrested following the complaint lodged at Sabo police station by Mrs Bamigboye who reported that she and her husband met the suspect about five years ago when he started discussing with them about a serious spiritual calamity (problem) awaiting them and their children if an urgent spiritual step is not taken.
“Out of fear of the unknown, they agreed to embark on the said spiritual journey and he took them to the Republic of Benin where he gave them a wooden coffin which he instructed them not to open until he asked them to do so.
“She stated further that the suspect started collecting money from them until they coughed out the total sum of N5 million. When they realised that they have been swindled, the shock led to the death of her husband”.
When interrogated, the 37-year-old suspect confessed to collecting money under false pretense from the couple and also claimed that he only duped them of N3.5 million and not N5 million as claimed by the woman.
Gbese further disclosed that he used the money to build a house for himself.
Items such as a wooden coffin containing white cloth and other substances like a horn wrapped with white cloth and beads were recovered from the suspect.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, CP Edward Ajogun ordered the immediate transfer of the suspect to the state criminal investigation and intelligence department for proper investigation and diligent prosecution.
