The Ogun State Police Command has warned residents against falling victim to fraudsters impersonating religious leaders on social media following the arrest of a suspect accused of defrauding victims of more than ₦18 million.
The Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, gave the warning while commending operatives of the Ilaro Division for their vigilance, tactical discipline and swift response in tracking down the suspect.
The suspect, identified as Adewale Ogoemi Arojah, was arrested following a complaint lodged on October 3 by Prophet Dr Muyiwa Akogun, who allegedly discovered that someone was impersonating him online.
According to the police, the suspect allegedly used a fake social media account bearing the cleric’s identity to deceive people seeking spiritual assistance, collecting money from victims in the process.
The police said intelligence gathering and technological monitoring led operatives to a village along the Ilaro-Ibogun axis in Ogun State, where the suspect was arrested.
He was subsequently transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Eleweran, Abeokuta, for further investigation.
The command said investigators were working to establish the full extent of the alleged fraud and determine whether other people were involved in the scheme.
Commending the operatives, Ojajuni reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting residents against cybercrime, identity theft and other digital and physical threats.
He urged members of the public to exercise caution when engaging with religious leaders and other prominent personalities online, particularly when financial transactions are involved.
The police warned that fraudsters could exploit people’s religious beliefs and trust in clerics to obtain money through fake accounts, false claims and other deceptive tactics.
Residents were advised to verify the authenticity of social media accounts before transferring money or sharing personal information, even when the accounts appear to belong to familiar religious figures.
The command also urged members of the public to report suspected cybercrime, impersonation and other suspicious activities through the Gateway Shield toll-free line, 0800 000 9111, or call 09164859299 and 09154293464.
The suspect’s guilt has not been established in court.
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