EFCC Arrests Herbalists with $3.4 Million and €280,000 Counterfeit Notes in Osun, Lagos

Osun/Lagos, December 22, 2025

Operatives of the Ibadan Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have uncovered a massive cache of counterfeit foreign currency totaling $3,430,000 (Three Million, Four Hundred and Thirty Thousand United States Dollars) and €280,000 (Two Hundred and Eighty Thousand Euros) in the possession of a five-member syndicate.

The group was allegedly involved in defrauding one Halima Sanni of N26,550,000 (Twenty-Six Million, Five Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira).

The herbalists—identified as Akingbola Omotayo, Adeola Funsho Ogunrinde, Yahaya Amodu, Kubratu Babalola Olaitan, and Familola Sunday Olaitan—were arrested on December 7 and 8, 2025, at their respective shrines in Osun and Lagos States. The arrests followed thorough surveillance and intelligence operations by EFCC operatives.

Investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly defrauded unsuspecting individuals under the guise of providing spiritual cleansing and solutions to various ailments. They reportedly claimed to possess powers to conjure large sums of currency, which could only be “cleaned” through spiritual sacrifices performed by a genie. Victims were reportedly hypnotized into providing funds for these rituals.

In addition to the counterfeit notes, EFCC operatives recovered two exotic cars and several mobile phones from the suspects.
The herbalists are expected to be charged to court upon the conclusion of ongoing investigations.