The Ogun State Police Command has arrested a suspect, Adewale Ogoemi Arojah, for allegedly impersonating Prophet Dr Muyiwa Akogun on Facebook and defrauding multiple victims of more than ₦18 million. Arojah was arrested by operatives of the Ilaro Division following a complaint by Prophet Akogun, who reported that an individual was using a duplicated Facebook profile bearing his identity to defraud members of the public.
According to the police public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, Prophet Akogun 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. 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.
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 the suspect's 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. Investigators will 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 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.
The police warned members of the public against transferring money to unverified individuals based on promises of spiritual remedies or assistance. The command's warning comes as a reminder to the public to be cautious when seeking spiritual help online and to verify the authenticity of those claiming to offer such services.
Key points
- The suspect, Adewale Ogoemi Arojah, was arrested for impersonating Prophet Dr Muyiwa Akogun on Facebook and defrauding victims of ₦18m.
- The suspect's victims were based both in Nigeria and abroad.
- The police have warned the public to exercise caution when interacting with religious leaders and public figures on social media.
