Operatives of the Ibadan Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested a five-member syndicate of herbalists in Lagos and Osun States and seized counterfeit foreign currency totaling $3,430,000 and €280,000.

The suspects—Akingbola Omotayo, Adeola Funsho Ogunrinde, Yahaya Amodu, Kubratu Babalola Olaitan, and Familola Sunday Olaitan—were apprehended on December 7 and 8, 2025, following extensive intelligence-gathering and surveillance. They are accused of defrauding one Halima Sanni of ₦26,550,000 under the guise of offering “spiritual cleansing” services.

According to the EFCC, the herbalists allegedly convinced their victims that they could conjure large sums of money, which required a “spiritual sacrifice” to be cleaned before use. Victims were reportedly hypnotized into handing over funds for this purpose.

Recovered items included the fake foreign currencies, two exotic cars, and several mobile phones. The EFCC stated that the suspects would be charged in court upon completion of investigations.