Police nab 'pastor' for scam over fake Jerusalem pilgrimage

The Ogun State Police have arrested Kehinde Makinde, also known as Pastor Kenny, in Ibadan, Oyo State. He is accused of collecting ₦2.5 million from 18 fellowship members in Saje, Adatan. He promised to arrange a government-sponsored pilgrimage to Jerusalem and said each member would get ₦2 million.

Makinde is also suspected of tricking people into believing he could provide spiritual deliverance across Ogun, Oyo, and Osun States.

DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the police spokesperson, shared this information in a statement to journalists on Monday.

Babaseyi said the alleged fake pastor was arrested after four months of careful surveillance. He explained, "Following four months of sustained intelligence gathering and discreet investigation, Detectives attached to the Obantoko Division, on 3rd August 2026, at about 1645hrs, arrested Kehinde Makinde 'M', popularly known as 'Pastor Kenny,' in Ibadan, Oyo State."

He added, "The arrest followed investigations into allegations that the suspect fraudulently manipulated unsuspecting victims under the guise of spiritual deliverance across Ogun, Oyo, and Osun states."

The preliminary investigation revealed that Makinde took about ₦2.5 million from eighteen fellowship members in Saje, Adatan. He did this by falsely claiming he would organize a government-sponsored trip to Jerusalem and promised each member ₦2 million.

Babaseyi confirmed that the suspect is in police custody. He also said efforts are ongoing to find more victims and catch any accomplices.