The Ogun State Police Command has arrested a man accused of impersonating a prominent prophet on Facebook and allegedly defrauding victims of more than N18 million.
The suspect, Adewale Ogoemi Arojah, was arrested by operatives of the Ilaro Division following a complaint by Prophet Dr Muyiwa Akogun.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, Akogun reported on October 3 that someone was using a duplicate Facebook account bearing his identity to defraud members of the public.
Following the complaint, the Divisional Police Officer in Ilaro deployed intelligence and detective operatives to track down the suspect.
The police said sustained technological monitoring and intelligence-led investigation led officers to a village in Ajegunle, along the Ilaro-Ibogun axis, where Arojah was arrested.
Babaseyi said preliminary investigations indicated that the suspect allegedly used the prophet’s identity to offer fake prophecies and prayer services to people seeking spiritual assistance.
The suspect allegedly targeted individuals who contacted the prophet through Facebook, gained their confidence and persuaded them to make payments for spiritual services.
The police said some of the alleged victims were based in Nigeria while others were abroad, with the total amount reportedly obtained exceeding N18 million.
Arojah has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Eleweran, Abeokuta, for further investigation.
The police said investigators would determine the full extent of the alleged fraud and establish whether other persons were involved.
The Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, commended the Ilaro operatives for their vigilance and swift response.
The command urged members of the public to verify social media accounts of religious leaders and public figures before making payments, warning against transferring money to unverified individuals on the promise of spiritual remedies or assistance.
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