Muslim cleric defrauds friend of over N8 million

A 34-year-old man, who poses as a Muslim cleric to defraud gullible Nigerians has been arrested by operatives of the Special Fraud Unit, SFU, Ikoyi, Lagos, for allegedly defrauding one of his victims of N8 million.

The suspect, identified as Isiaka Adeleke, popularly known as Alfa, was said to have collected the sum from a childhood friend, who came for prayers for the expansion of his business.

The complainant, who reportedly took the N8 million loan to expand his dwindling business, told operatives that he confided in Adeleke that he intended to use the money to buy a truck for his business.

However, in the process, Yusuf was said to have demanded for the money to enable him go into the spiritual realm to tackle spiritual forces hindering the success of his friend's business.

However, the victim returned a week later as instructed, only to discover that Yusuf had changed residence.

Spokesman for the Unit, Ngozi Isintume-Agu, said that Yusuf's arrest was effected in Ilorin, KwaraState, following a petition by the complainant.

She said: "The complainant stated that he was defrauded in March and effort to reach Yusuf had been abortive as his phones were all switched off.

"The complainant further stated that the Alfa, under the pretense of selling a LEXUS 300 Car imported from USA to him, obtained additional N1.5 million and later registered the said vehicle in his name. He alleged that the total money collected from him by the suspect was N9.5 million."

'How I spent the money'

Adeleke, who was paraded weekend, admitted to have collected the sum and pleaded to be given time to refund the money.

Asked what he used the money for, he said: "I used part of it to buy two cars, a Toyota Camry and a Mercedez Benz and also completed my building project in Ilorin, while I shared the balance among my fellow Alfas in Ila-Orangun, OsunState.

"I tricked him into believing that I can double the money. I instructed him to put the money inside a box in my room and leave it for seven days, while he takes the key with him.

"However, unknown to him, I had a spare key which I later used to unlock the box and absconded. All I beg for is to be given time to pay back the money."

Isintume-Agu advised members of the public to be wary of the likes of Yusuf when seeking spiritual help from so-called religious clerics, "as most of them are wolves in sheep's clothing."

Vanguard