The Ogun State Police Command has arrested Kehinde Makinde, popularly known as Pastor Kenny, in Ibadan, Oyo State, over an alleged ₦2.5m Jerusalem pilgrimage scam involving 18 fellowship members in Ogun State.
Makinde was arrested on August 3, 2026, following four months of surveillance and discreet investigation by detectives attached to the Obantoko Division, according to the police.
The command alleged that Makinde collected approximately ₦2.5m from 18 fellowship members in Saje, Adatan, under the false pretence of organising a government-sponsored pilgrimage to Jerusalem.
Police said the suspect allegedly promised each of the fellowship members ₦2m as part of the purported arrangement.
The command also accused Makinde of allegedly manipulating unsuspecting victims under the guise of providing spiritual deliverance across Ogun, Oyo and Osun states.
The state police spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, disclosed the arrest in a statement made available to journalists on Monday.
Babaseyi said the investigation began after intelligence was received about the suspect’s alleged activities, leading officers to conduct surveillance before making the arrest.
“Following four months of sustained intelligence gathering and discreet investigation, detectives attached to the Obantoko Division, on 3rd August, 2026, at about 1645hrs, arrested Kehinde Makinde ‘M’, popularly known as ‘Pastor Kenny,’ in Ibadan, Oyo State,” he said.
According to the police, preliminary investigations uncovered the alleged pilgrimage scheme involving the 18 fellowship members.
Babaseyi said the suspect allegedly obtained the money after claiming that the trip to Jerusalem was government-sponsored and that participants would each receive ₦2m.
The police said Makinde remains in custody while investigators work to establish the full extent of the alleged scheme.
“Preliminary investigation further revealed that the suspect allegedly obtained approximately ₦2.5 million from eighteen fellowship members in Saje, Adatan, under the false pretence of organising a government-sponsored pilgrimage to Jerusalem and promising each member ₦2 million,” Babaseyi said.
The command said investigators were also working to identify other potential victims and determine whether other people were involved in the alleged operation.
“The suspect remains in Police custody while efforts continue to identify additional victims and apprehend his accomplices,” Babaseyi added.
The arrest highlights the risks associated with fraudulent schemes that exploit religious trust and promises of financial or spiritual benefits.
Police have not disclosed whether the suspect has been formally charged in court, and the allegations remain subject to investigation and any subsequent judicial proceedings.
