The Ogun State Police Command has arrested a man identified as Adewale Ogoemi Arojah for allegedly impersonating a renowned prophet on Facebook and defrauding unsuspecting victims of more than ₦18 million under the guise of offering prayers and spiritual assistance.
Arojah was arrested by operatives of the Ilaro Division following a complaint filed on October 3 by Muyiwa Akogun, popularly known on Facebook as “Prophet Dr. Muyiwa Akogun.”
Akogun reportedly alerted the police after members of the public complained about fraudulent activities being carried out in his name through a duplicated Facebook account.
Following the complaint, the Divisional Police Officer in Ilaro deployed intelligence and detective operatives to track the suspected impersonator.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Ogun State Command of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF). DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.
DSP Babaseyi said that, following sustained technological monitoring and intelligence-led analysis, investigators obtained a lead that took them to a village in Ajegunle, along the Ilaro/Ibogun axis, where the suspect was apprehended.
The police spokesperson said further that preliminary interrogation showed that Arojah confessed to impersonating the cleric on Facebook. He allegedly admitted using Akogun’s identity to make fake prophecies and offer prayer services to individuals seeking spiritual assistance.
Investigators further alleged that the suspect targeted vulnerable individuals through the prophet’s Facebook page, gained their trust and collected money from victims in Nigeria and abroad.
The police put the preliminary value of the alleged fraud at more than ₦18 million.
The suspect has since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Eleweran, Abeokuta, for further investigation. The police said the probe would determine the full extent of the alleged crime, identify possible accomplices and establish grounds for prosecution.
The Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, CP Bode Ojajuni, commended the Ilaro operatives for what he described as their vigilance, tactical discipline and swift response.
He also reiterated the command’s commitment to tackling cybercrime, identity theft and other digital offences across the state.
The command urged members of the public to exercise caution when interacting with religious leaders and public figures on social media, particularly before sending money for spiritual services or remedies.
Citizens were advised to verify the authenticity of social media accounts and avoid transferring funds to unverified individuals.
The police said suspected cases of cybercrime, impersonation and other suspicious activities can be reported through the Gateway Shield toll-free line 0800 000 9111, or 09164859299 and 09154293464.
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