A cleric identified as Kehinde Makinde, popularly known as “Pastor Kenny,” has been arrested by the Ogun State Police Command over an alleged N45 million fraud involving 18 members of his fellowship.

Makinde was arrested by detectives attached to the Obantoko Division after a four-month investigation, according to the police.

The command alleged that the suspect promised the fellowship members that he would organise a government-sponsored pilgrimage to Jerusalem and secure N2 million for each participant.

Police said Makinde collected about N2.5 million from each of the 18 members but failed to deliver on the promise.

The development was contained in a statement issued by the command’s spokesperson, Deputy Superintendent of Police Oluseyi Babaseyi.

 Seven kidnapped victims rescued

In a separate operation, the police said seven kidnapped victims were rescued, three suspected kidnappers were killed and 38 suspects were arrested in various operations across Ogun State.

The command also reported the recovery of two firearms, 75 rounds of live ammunition, vehicles, motorcycles, cash and other items suspected to be linked to criminal activities.

According to Babaseyi, the anti-kidnapping operation followed the abduction of seven people on July 29 along Paraga Street, Ipara, Ogun State.

The Police Anti-Kidnapping Unit, working with the Department of State Services, Nigerian Army and other security agencies, launched an intelligence-led operation to locate the victims.

The operation received aerial support on August 3 after Governor Dapo Abiodun requested the deployment of a police helicopter from the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu.

Police said the combination of intelligence gathering, surveillance, aerial support and ground operations led to the rescue of all seven victims.

The victims were taken to the Police Hospital for medical attention. One of them was reportedly being treated for a gunshot injury.

Two days after the rescue, at about 2am on August 6, security operatives raided a suspected kidnappers’ hideout along the Sagamu-Abeokuta Expressway.

The police said the suspects engaged the operatives in a gun battle, during which three suspected kidnappers were killed. Others reportedly escaped with possible gunshot injuries.

An AK-47 rifle, an empty magazine, four mobile phones and N2.3 million in cash were recovered from the hideout, according to the command.

The bodies of the three deceased suspects were deposited at the State Hospital Morgue, Ijaiye, Abeokuta, for autopsy.

Police said efforts were ongoing to arrest other members of the gang who escaped from the scene.

 35 others arrested

Babaseyi said 35 other suspects were arrested in separate operations across the state.

One of them, identified as Babatunde Olasunkanmi, was arrested at Itele-Ijebu over an alleged attempt to rob a commercial motorcyclist.

Police said a locally fabricated cut-to-size double-barrel pistol, criminal charms, a mobile phone and an ATM card were recovered from him. His alleged accomplice reportedly escaped with the victim’s motorcycle.

In Atan-Ota, police arrested 23 foreign nationals during a raid on a residential building at Iyana Iyesi, Onipanu-Ota.

The suspects were allegedly involved in Ponzi schemes, visa scams and other immigration-related offences.

The command said 21 of them were handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service on August 5, while two remained in police custody over alleged obtaining by false pretence and related offences.

Meanwhile, operatives attached to the Sakura Division recovered an English submachine gun and 75 rounds of live ammunition from a damaged wardrobe in a rented apartment.

The firearm was reportedly discovered while the apartment, which had previously been occupied by a deceased landlord, was being cleared.

At the Idi Oke Division, 12 suspected cultists were arrested during a raid on an alleged cult gathering at Harodous Hotel, Lattykay, Igbesa.

Police said assorted charms, battle axes, knives, cult paraphernalia, eight motorcycles, a black Lexus and an unregistered red Toyota Camry were recovered.

The command also reported the recovery of a stolen Toyota Hilux along the Alapako-Ogunmakin Road.

A 31-year-old man, Samuel Adetunji, was also arrested over an alleged theft involving a commercial tricycle.

An abandoned red Bajaj motorcycle was recovered near a mechanic workshop at Trailer Park, Kara, Sabo Sagamu.

 Police commend governor, security agencies

The Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, commended Governor Dapo Abiodun for supporting the command’s operations, particularly his role in facilitating the deployment of the police helicopter during the anti-kidnapping operation.

Ojajuni also praised officers of the command, the DSS, Nigerian Army and other security agencies for their collaboration.

He said the command would continue to strengthen intelligence-led operations, strategic patrols and rapid response to criminal activities across the state.

The commissioner urged residents to remain vigilant and provide security agencies with timely information that could help prevent crime and apprehend suspects.