Online scam: a woman charged with extorting 20 million FCFA under the pretext of prayers

The Court for the Repression of Economic Offences and Terrorism (CRIET) examined, this Monday, a suspected online fraud case.

The defendant, according to information from Bip Radio, is accused of having extorted nearly 20 million CFA francs from an acquaintance, under the guise of deliverance prayers.

The events date back to 1 November 2024, All Saints’ Day. The victim and the defendant reportedly met at the PK14 cemetery before the former joined a prayer group led by the accused. According to the complainant, the latter gradually asked her for sums of money, citing the need to fund prayers to prevent her daughter’s imminent death.

Under the sway of fear and faith, the victim allegedly made several money transfers to the defendant, who claimed to be acting on behalf of a priest whom the complainant had never met.

In addition to the 20 million CFA francs, the defendant is also said to have received mobile phones, a mattress and various household appliances.

At the stand, the main suspect partially disputed the allegations, arguing that some of the sums came from voluntary donations.

After the hearing, the court adjourned the case until 19 January 2026 for further proceedings.