The Ogun State Police Command has arrested a man accused of impersonating a prominent prophet on Facebook and defrauding multiple victims of more than ₦18 million under the guise of offering prayers and spiritual assistance.

The suspect, Adewale Ogoemi Arojah, was arrested by operatives of the Ilaro Division following a complaint by Prophet Dr Muyiwa Akogun, who reported that an individual was using a duplicated Facebook profile bearing his identity to defraud members of the public.

Akogun, according to the command police public Relations Officer, (PPRO) DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, lodged the complaint on 3 October after receiving reports from members of the public about fraudulent activities allegedly carried out in his name.

The police image maker added that following the complaint, the Divisional Police Officer in Ilaro deployed intelligence and detective operatives to identify and apprehend the suspect.

Babaseyi stated that sustained technological monitoring and intelligence-led investigation led operatives to a village in Ajegunle, along the Ilaro-Ibogun axis, where Arojah was arrested.

According him, “during questioning, the suspect allegedly confessed to impersonating Akogun on Facebook and using the cleric’s identity to offer fake prophecies and prayer services to people seeking spiritual assistance”.

The police said preliminary investigations indicated that the suspect targeted people seeking spiritual help through the prophet’s Facebook page, gained their confidence and obtained money from them.

The command disclosed that suspects victims were based both in Nigeria and abroad, with the total amount allegedly obtained through the scheme exceeding ₦18 million.

Arojah has since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Eleweran, Abeokuta, for further investigation.

He further said investigators would establish the full extent of the alleged fraud, determine whether other people were involved, and prepare the case for possible prosecution.

The state Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, commended the Ilaro operatives for what the command described as their vigilance and swift response.

The command also urged members of the public to exercise caution when interacting with religious leaders and public figures on social media, advising them to verify the authenticity of accounts before making payments for spiritual services.

Police warned members of the public against transferring money to unverified individuals based on promises of spiritual remedies or assistance. (Guardian)

Update news