Exploiting Faith: Unveiling the Misdeeds of Hassan Patigi, a Self-Proclaimed Preacher in Kwara State

In a revealing investigation, WikkiTimes sheds light on the questionable practices of Hassan Patigi, a self-proclaimed preacher and exorcist from Patigi community in Kwara State. Patigi’s purported mission to bring healing to the sick and aid the underprivileged has, instead, fostered abuse and division in villages across Niger and Kwara states, leaving victims in distress.

Patigi, recognized for orchestrating crusades across the North-Central region, stands accused of orchestrating the torture of men and the public humiliation of women, all under the guise of expelling witches. His crusades involve alleged miraculous healings, but the reality is a trail of extortion and fractured families. This investigative report by Yunusa Umar exposes the unsettling pattern of rights violations by this self-proclaimed ‘Man of God,’ all without apparent consequences from authorities.

For years, Hassan Patigi, a self-acclaimed preacher and exorcist from the Patigi community in Kwara State, has been touring numerous towns and villages in Nigeria, ostensibly on a mission to heal the sick and aid the poor. However, his endeavors have left a wake of abuse, particularly in villages across two North-Central states, Niger and Kwara.

During his crusades, Patigi fervently prays over sachets of water, distributing them to individuals suffering from various diseases and afflictions. Victims, including the blind, deaf, lame, and women seeking fertility, recount transformative healing experiences—experiences invisible to onlookers—after consuming the water.

Audu Suleiman, paralyzed since 2016, sought healing from Patigi’s center but found no relief after three visits. Patigi, during the crusade, points fingers at those seeking help, accusing them of witchcraft and leading to public humiliation. Alhaji Saba Alheri, losing his vision to glaucoma, and others share similar tales of unfulfilled promises and inaccurate prophecies.

Patigi’s deceptive practices extend to promises of sponsoring the poor to Hajj. Victims narrate deceptive tactics involving buying forms, false assurances of Mecca airlifts, and the distribution of black nylon bags, claimed to miraculously transform into funds for the promised pilgrimage.

Women struggling with infertility faced double exploitation as Patigi deceived them with promises of conception through financial sacrifices. Victims recount futile attempts, where offerings and payments made to Patigi yielded no results. The preacher discouraged them from seeking medical help, perpetuating their suffering.

Numerous victims express discontent with Patigi’s exploitation, emphasizing how they were swindled under the guise of religious obligations. As this investigation unfolds, the disturbing exploitation of vulnerable individuals by a self-proclaimed spiritual leader raises questions about the lack of accountability for such egregious actions.