Nigerian authorities have apprehended a suspect, Adewale Arojah, for allegedly cloning the Facebook page of renowned Prophet Muyiwa Akogun. According to reports, Arojah used the duplicate page to deceive people seeking spiritual help, collecting over ₦18 million in the process. The suspect was taken into custody by officers from the Ilaro Division of the Ogun State police following a complaint filed by Prophet Akogun on October 3.
The cloned Facebook page was used to offer fake prophecies and prayer services to victims in Nigeria and abroad. Arojah, described as the son of a prophet, allegedly built trust with his targets before taking their money. The police command's spokesman, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, revealed that detectives employed online monitoring and intelligence work to track the suspect to a village in Ajegunle, where he was subsequently arrested.
During questioning, Arojah reportedly admitted to posing as Prophet Akogun. The suspect has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Eleweran, Abeokuta, for further investigation. Authorities will now work to determine the extent of the scheme, identify possible accomplices, and establish whether Arojah can be prosecuted for his alleged crimes.
The Ogun State police command has praised the Ilaro officers for their swift operation, which led to Arojah's arrest. The command emphasized its commitment to disrupting online fraud networks and curbing identity theft. The public has been urged to verify the identities of religious leaders and public figures before engaging with them or sending money online.
Prophet Muyiwa Akogun, known online as "Prophet Dr Muyiwa Akogun," had reported to the police that people were being scammed in his name through the duplicate profile. The police have not disclosed the number of victims or whether any of the stolen funds have been recovered. The case highlights the growing concern of online identity theft and cybercrime in Nigeria.
Commissioner of Police Bode Ojajuni commended the Ilaro officers for their efforts in apprehending the suspect. The police command's proactive approach aims to tackle the rising issue of online scams and identity theft. The public is advised to exercise caution when interacting with online profiles, especially those claiming to offer spiritual services.
The case against Adewale Arojah will continue to unfold as investigators work to uncover the full extent of his alleged crimes. The Ogun State police command's efforts to combat online fraud and protect the public from identity theft are ongoing.
Key points
- The suspect, Adewale Arojah, collected over ₦18 million by selling fake prayers and prophecies.
- The police used online monitoring and intelligence work to track and arrest the suspect.
- The public is urged to verify the identities of religious leaders and public figures before engaging with them or sending money online.
