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Crime
Ogun State Police have apprehended a suspect for allegedly defrauding victims of over ₦18 million by impersonating a prominent cleric on Facebook. The arrest highlights the rising threat of digital identity theft targeting individuals seeking spiritual assistance online.

The Ogun State Police Command has arrested a suspect, Adewale Ogoemi Arojah, for allegedly impersonating a renowned cleric on Facebook and defrauding multiple victims of more than ₦18 million. The suspect reportedly operated under the guise of offering prayers, prophecies, and spiritual assistance to those who contacted him through the fraudulent profile.
According to the command, the arrest was carried out by operatives of the Ilaro Division following a formal complaint lodged by Muyiwa Akogun, popularly known as “Prophet Dr. Muyiwa Akogun.” Akogun alleged that an individual had duplicated his Facebook profile and was using his identity to defraud members of the public. The complaint was officially recorded on October 3, 2026, after victims began reporting fraudulent activities carried out in the cleric's name.
Following the complaint, the Divisional Police Officer of the Ilaro Division deployed intelligence and detective operatives to track the suspected impersonator. Sustained technological monitoring and intelligence-led analysis eventually led the team to a village in Ajegunle, via the Ilaro/Ibogun axis, where Arojah was apprehended.
Preliminary investigations conducted by the police indicate that the suspect targeted individuals seeking spiritual assistance on the cleric’s legitimate Facebook page. By gaining their confidence, he allegedly demanded money for prayers and other spiritual services. The command further alleged that the suspect used the stolen identity to deliver fake prophecies and offer prayer services to victims located both within Nigeria and in the diaspora.
During interrogation, Arojah reportedly confessed to impersonating the cleric on the social media platform. The police stated that the suspect’s activities resulted in financial losses totaling more than ₦18 million across multiple victims. While the suspect has admitted to the acts, investigations remain ongoing to establish the full extent of the fraud and identify any potential accomplices.
The suspect has since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Eleweran, Abeokuta, for further investigation and to determine appropriate legal action. This development comes amid rising concerns regarding the use of social media platforms to impersonate public figures and religious personalities for criminal gain.
Commenting on the successful operation, the Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, psc, FCSS, MNIPR, commended the Ilaro operatives for their vigilance and tactical discipline. Ojajuni reaffirmed the command’s commitment to tackling cybercrime, identity theft, and other forms of criminality across the state.
The command urges members of the public to exercise caution when engaging with religious leaders, celebrities, public figures and other personalities on social media platforms.
— CP Bode Ojajuni, Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command
The police command advised social media users to verify the authenticity of accounts before engaging in financial transactions, particularly when payments are requested for spiritual remedies or services. The public was also encouraged to report suspicious activities to the Gateway Shield Toll-Free Line on 0800 000 9111, or via 09164859299 and 09154293464.