Two Prophetesses Arraigned in Lagos Court for Alleged N8 Million Fraud, Fake Charm Scheme

Two self-proclaimed prophetesses, Folake Olasode and Damilola Aboloyinjo, were arraigned before the Lagos Magistrate Court in Tinubu, accused of defrauding Mrs. Sarah Umeh of N8 million under the pretense of providing spiritual protection for her and her children.

The police, represented by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Francis Igbinosa, presented a five-count charge against Olasode and Aboloyinjo. The charges include conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretenses, theft, trial by ordeal, and conduct likely to breach public peace. According to the prosecution, the alleged offenses occurred last month at No. 7A, Jide Agbalaya Street, Chevy-View, Lekki.

The charge sheet details that the defendants, along with others still at large, claimed to have prepared charms, bathed Mrs. Umeh and her three children, and made incisions on their bodies, falsely promising protection from harm. The police further alleged that the duo unlawfully assaulted the family by making these incisions using razor blades.

In addition to the fraudulent activities, the defendants were accused of creating a public disturbance by burning charms in a calabash within Mrs. Umeh’s compound, a ritual they claimed was necessary for her family’s protection.

The charges brought against Olasode and Aboloyinjo are violations of Sections 168d, 172, 287, and 314 of the Lagos State Criminal Law of 2015.

Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges during the court proceedings. Their lawyer, Mr. Moses Enema, successfully applied for bail, with Magistrate A.O. Gbajumo setting bail at N750,000 for each defendant. The bail conditions include providing two sureties with verifiable means of livelihood and identification.

The case has been adjourned until October 14, 2024, for trial.