Ibadan Native Doctor Allegedly Dupes British Woman Of N29.2m For Spiritual Deliverance

MICHAEL AKINOLA

A 65-year-old native doctor, Sikiru Mojereola, was on Monday arraigned before an Iyaganku Chief Magistrate Court in Ibadan over alleged fraud of N29.2 million belonging to a British national.

According to the charge sheet, the Commissioner of Police is prosecuting Sikiru Mojereola on a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy, fraud and conversion.

The Prosecution Counsel, Olapeju Durodola, told the court that the defendant conspired with others at large to commit the offence between July 2025 and July 2026 in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Durodola alleged that on July 12, Mojereola, with intent to defraud, contacted Lydia Villandre, a British citizen residing in the United Kingdom, and persuaded her to travel to Nigeria for what he described as “spiritual deliverance” and treatment for her personal issues.

 

The court heard that the native doctor also promised to provide traditional medication for the woman’s daughter who was said to be battling epilepsy. The prosecution told Chief Magistrate, Mrs Olabisi Ogunkanmi, that the defendant assured Villandre that the spiritual process would solve her problems and guarantee healing for her child.

 

Following the discussions, the British lady was alleged to have travelled to Nigeria. The prosecution alleged that in the course of the engagement, Mojereola collected the sum of 15,800 Pounds from Villandre, which is approximately N29,200,000.00 at current exchange rates.

Court documents state that after receiving the money, the defendant failed to provide the agreed spiritual services and medication. Efforts by the complainant to get a refund or the promised treatment were said to have proved abortive, prompting a petition to the police.

In Count I, the prosecution alleged conspiracy to commit felony. In Count II, Mojereola was accused of obtaining money by false pretence. Count III relates to conversion of the said sum to his own use.

Durodola said the offences contravened the provisions of Section 383 of the Criminal Code Laws of Oyo State 2000, and are punishable under Sections 390 (9), 419 and 516 of the same law.

When the charges were read to him, the defendant pleaded not guilty.

The Defense Counsel, Mr K. O. Oyesola, made an oral application for bail, urging the court to admit his client on liberal terms. He argued that the defendant has a fixed address in Ibadan and would not interfere with investigations.

Ruling on the bail application, the Chief Magistrate, Mrs Olabisi Ogunkanmi, granted bail to Sikiru Mojereola in the sum of N10,000,000.00 with two sureties in like sum.

The court ordered that the sureties must own property within the jurisdiction of the court and must provide evidence of ownership and tax clearance. The Magistrate further directed that the sureties must reside within Ibadan and be verified by the court registrar.

Ogunkanmi ordered that the defendant be remanded at Agodi Correctional Center pending the perfection of the bail conditions. She adjourned the matter until September 4, 2026 for hearing.

Legal experts say that under Oyo State law, obtaining money by false pretence and conversion carry significant penalties where convicted. Section 419 of the Criminal Code specifically deals with obtaining property by false pretence, while Section 390 addresses stealing and conversion.

The case highlights growing concerns by authorities over cross-border fraud schemes involving spiritual and traditional claims. The police have repeatedly warned citizens, including foreigners, to be cautious of unsolicited offers of spiritual solutions that require large payments, especially when such offers are made online or through intermediaries.

Community leaders in Ibadan also noted that while traditional medicine is recognized in Nigeria, cases of impersonation and fraud have made it necessary for proper regulation and public awareness.

The complainant, Lydia Villandre, is expected to testify when the matter comes up for hearing. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.