Police worry over fraudsters posing as prophets

The Rivers State Police Command has sounded the alarm over noticeable increase of fraudsters in the state posing as prophets of God.
The command’s spokesman, DSP Ahmad Muhammad, said: “The unscrupulous individuals operate under the guise of being ‘God’s men’ to dupe unsuspecting members of the public.”
According to Muhammad, these fraudsters, masquerading as prophets, prey on gullible members of the public through the use of false prophesy and divine pronouncements.
A resident of the state, who had fallen prey to one of the false prophets, simply identified as Umejiego, a Director of a private firm, was lured into a false scheme through his wife by the operator of a Church: Favour Anointing Ministry, situated at 74A Ojoto Lane, Mile 3, Diobu, Port Harcourt, operated by one prophet Victory Ibe.
After being arrested by the Police, Ibe allegedly confessed to being a perpetual dupe, adding that he always had in his possession a pro-forma change of ownership, which he used to make people part with their properties.
Muhammad explained: “In the case of Mr. Umejiego, Ibe instructed that a Toyota Land Cruiser V8 be sown as seed by the former.
“He thereafter produced a change of ownership, which was promptly signed by the unsuspecting victim, who immediately handed over the original documents to him together with the vehicle.
“Unfortunately for the fake prophet, the said vehicle was involved in a serious motor accident with the ‘prophet’ in it.
“Surprisingly, the self-acclaimed prophet also ‘prophesized’ that the same victim should part with the sum of N200,000 to neutralize a curse placed on him and his household.
“The victim complied with the instruction and paid the ‘prophet’ the sum of 90,000 on February 17, 2014, which he told his victim would be donated to an orphanage.
“However, as at the time of his arrest on February 25, 2014, the supposed man of God was still in possession of the said amount of money.
“The fake prophet alongside his brother, one Apostle Austin Ibe, who used to act as his Assistant prophet, has been apprehended by the Police and both of them will be charged to court at the appropriate time.”