Prophet’s Son Arrested Over Alleged N18 Million Facebook Fraud

The Ogun State Police Command has arrested a man identified as Adewale Ogoemi Arojah for allegedly impersonating a popular cleric on Facebook and defrauding unsuspecting victims of more than N18 million through promises of prayers, prophecies and spiritual assistance.

The suspect, whom the police described as the son of a prophet, was arrested by operatives of the Ilaro Division following a complaint by Muyiwa Akogun, popularly known on Facebook as “Prophet Dr. Muyiwa Akogun”.

The development was disclosed by the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, in a statement issued on Thursday, October 8, 2026.

How the Alleged Fraud Began

According to the police, the case came to light after members of the public began complaining about fraudulent activities allegedly being carried out in Akogun’s name through a duplicated Facebook profile.

Akogun reportedly alerted the police on October 3, 2026, after becoming aware that someone was allegedly using his identity to communicate with members of the public.

The police said the matter prompted the Divisional Police Officer of the Ilaro Division to deploy intelligence and detective operatives to identify the person operating the alleged fraudulent account.

Following what the command described as sustained technological monitoring and intelligence-led analysis, investigators reportedly traced the suspect to a village in Ajegunle, along the Ilaro/Ibogun axis, where he was arrested.

Suspect Allegedly Used Cleric’s Identity

The police alleged that Arojah created or operated a duplicate Facebook profile using the identity of Prophet Akogun.

Through the account, he allegedly interacted with people who were seeking spiritual assistance and offered what the police described as fake prophecies and prayer services.

The command said the suspect allegedly gained the confidence of vulnerable individuals before requesting and receiving money from them.

The alleged victims were said to include people living in Nigeria as well as members of the Nigerian diaspora.

Preliminary investigations, according to the police, indicate that more than N18 million was allegedly obtained from victims through the scheme.

Alleged Confession Under Investigation

The police said Arojah confessed during interrogation to impersonating Prophet Akogun on Facebook.

According to the command, he admitted using the cleric’s identity to offer fake prophecies and prayer services.

However, the allegation and reported confession remain part of an ongoing investigation. The suspect has not been convicted by a court, and the facts of the case will ultimately have to be established through the appropriate legal process.

This distinction is particularly important in reporting criminal allegations, as an arrest or police investigation does not amount to a judicial finding of guilt.

Suspect Transferred to SCID

Following his arrest, the suspect was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Eleweran, Abeokuta, for further investigation.

The police said investigators would work to establish the full extent of the alleged fraud, identify any possible accomplices and determine the appropriate steps towards prosecution.

The development suggests that investigators are not treating the matter as an isolated social media impersonation case but are examining the wider network and financial transactions allegedly connected with it.

Why Social Media Impersonation Is Dangerous

The case highlights one of the growing challenges associated with the expansion of religious and spiritual activities onto social media.

Many religious leaders now use Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube and other platforms to communicate with followers, offer counselling, announce programmes and respond to requests for prayers.

While this has made religious communication more accessible, it has also created opportunities for criminals to impersonate trusted personalities.

A person who believes that he or she is communicating directly with a familiar prophet, pastor or other religious leader may be more willing to disclose personal information or transfer money when requested.

That makes verification particularly important.

Spiritual Vulnerability Can Be Exploited

The alleged scheme also raises concerns about the exploitation of people who are experiencing difficult circumstances.

People seeking prayers or spiritual assistance may be dealing with illness, financial difficulties, family problems, delayed marriage, unemployment or other personal challenges.

Such individuals can become vulnerable to anyone who presents himself as having special spiritual powers or access to a respected religious personality.

The alleged case therefore goes beyond ordinary social media impersonation.

It demonstrates how identity theft can be combined with emotional and spiritual manipulation to obtain money from unsuspecting people.

Police Warn Social Media Users

The Ogun State Police Command has advised members of the public to exercise caution when interacting with religious leaders and other public figures online.

The command urged people to verify the authenticity of social media accounts before engaging with them financially.

The warning is particularly relevant where an online account suddenly requests money for prayers, spiritual materials, consultations or other services.

A familiar photograph, name or profile description should not automatically be regarded as proof that the person operating the account is genuine.

Verify Before Sending Money

One of the simplest lessons from the incident is the need for independent verification.

Where a religious leader requests money through social media, followers should consider contacting the person’s known office, church, ministry or verified communication channel before making any transfer.

They should also be cautious about accounts that pressure them to make immediate payments or promise guaranteed solutions to serious personal problems.

The same principle applies to celebrities, politicians, businesspeople and other public figures whose identities can be copied online.

Police Reaffirm Commitment Against Cybercrime

The Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, CP Bode Ojajuni, commended the Ilaro operatives for their vigilance, tactical discipline and swift response.

The commissioner also reaffirmed the command’s commitment to combating digital and physical threats in the state.

The police said the arrest forms part of their wider efforts to tackle online fraud, identity theft and other forms of cybercrime.

The Bigger Lesson

The alleged N18 million fraud is a reminder that criminals continue to adapt their methods as Nigerians increasingly move their personal, professional and religious activities online.

In this case, the alleged fraudster did not simply create a random identity. According to the police, he allegedly adopted the identity of an established cleric and targeted people who were already seeking spiritual assistance.

That combination can make deception particularly effective.

For social media users, the lesson is clear: verify the identity of anyone requesting money online, even when the person appears to be someone you know or trust.

For religious organisations and public figures, the case also demonstrates the importance of protecting official social media accounts, clearly identifying verified channels and promptly warning followers whenever an impersonation account is discovered.

The investigation into Arojah’s case is expected to establish the full circumstances surrounding the alleged fraud, the number of victims involved, the amount actually lost and whether other individuals participated in the scheme.

Until the investigation and any subsequent court proceedings are concluded, the N18 million figure remains an allegation contained in the police account.

By Joseph Iyaji
Akahi News