In today’s church, especially in many vibrant African congregations in Nigeria, we hear a lot about “prophets” and “prophetic ministries.” It can be confusing. Still, we wonder if there are true prophets of God today. How can we tell a true messenger of God from a fake one using witchcraft to deceive people?

First, let’s be clear. A prophet in the Bible is primarily someone who speaks God’s message. They call people back to God’s truth, encourage the church, and sometimes reveal things only God knows, all to build up and strengthen believers.

Yes, God still uses prophets today! The Bible says in Ephesians 4:11-12 that He gave “some to be… prophets… to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.” However, the devil is a counterfeiter, and he has created “witchcraft prophets” who mix a little Bible with a lot of divination to control and exploit people.

Here are 10 signs you have fallen into the hands of a witchcraft prophet.

1. They Operate with the Spirit of Fear, Not Love

A true man of God leads you to a relationship with Jesus that is based on love, freedom, and peace. A witchcraft prophet uses fear to control you. Your donations become “protection money” against curses they claim to see. Your obedience is driven by the fear of what will happen if you don’t obey them, not by your love for God.

• Example: ” If you leave this church, a spirit of poverty will follow you,” or “The generational curse in your family will activate if you don’t pay this seed offering.”

2. They Are Obsessed with Money and Material Wealth

While God blesses His children, a witchcraft prophet’s primary focus is on wealth. They are constantly talking about “seeds,” “offerings,” and “first fruits,” but you never see the fruit of this money in community help or charity. Their lifestyle is excessively lavish, and they make you feel your breakthrough is tied to their personal comfort.

• Example: The prophet drives a fleet of luxury cars and owns private jets, while the majority of his members struggle to pay school fees, yet he demands a “sacrificial seed” for your “financial miracle.”

3. They Demand Unquestioning Loyalty to Themselves

A true prophet points you to Christ. A witchcraft prophet points you to themselves. They get angry if you visit another church or listen to another preacher. They claim they are the only ones with a “special anointing” to solve your problems, creating a cult-like following.

• Example: “Don’t listen to that other pastor; he has a familiar spirit. I am your spiritual father, and your destiny is tied to my altar.”

4. Their “Prophecies” Focus on Problems, Not Solutions in Christ

Instead of proclaiming the hope of the Gospel, their “revelations” are always about revealing hidden curses, evil arrows, and witchcraft attacks from your village. They create problems only they can solve, usually for a fee.

• Example: “I see a woman from your father’s village holding your marital destiny,” but they don’t point you to prayer and faith in Christ; they point you to a paid “deliverance session” at their mountain.

5. They Use Manipulative and Strange “Spiritual” Items

This is a major red flag. The Bible warns against witchcraft and divination (Deuteronomy 18:10-12). A witchcraft prophet will prescribe un-biblical items like “holy water,” “special handkerchiefs,” “anointed oil” with strange instructions (e.g., “pour it at the crossroads at midnight”), or even ask for your personal items (like underwear) for “prayer.”

• Example: Being told to buy a specific candle, soap, or sticker for your car from the church’s “anointed store” to break a curse.

6. They Isolate You from Your Family and Friends

Just like cult leaders, they sow seeds of distrust against anyone who questions their methods, including your own family. They label your concerned loved ones as “demonic agents” sent to block your destiny.

• Example: ” Your mother is the one bewitching you. You must break ties with her and only listen to me for spiritual guidance.”

7. They Have No Accountability

A true prophet is humble and accountable to other church elders and leaders. A witchcraft prophet is a lone ranger. They are above the law, and no one can question their actions or lifestyle. They are the sole authority in the church.

8. Their Life Does Not Bear the Fruit of the Spirit

The Bible says we will know them by their fruits (Matthew 7:16). Check their character. Do they exhibit love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control? Or are they known for anger, pride, greed, and immorality? A true message comes from a true character.

9. They Specialize in “Dreams and Visions” That Create Dependency

While God speaks through dreams, a witchcraft prophet will overemphasize your dreams and give them strange, fear-inducing interpretations that, again, only they can solve. You become dependent on them to interpret every aspect of your spiritual life.

10. They Make You Feel Oppressed, Not Free

After encountering a true move of God, you feel joyful, free, and closer to Jesus. After a session with a witchcraft prophet, you feel heavy, burdened, fearful, and confused. You feel like you are constantly under attack and can never do enough to please God.

The best way to spot a fake is to know the real thing intimately. Read your Bible for yourself and develop a personal prayer life.

A true prophet’s message will always align with the Scriptures and will always glorify Jesus Christ, not themselves. Don’t give up on God’s genuine gifts, but be wise and test every spirit (1 John 4:1). Your faith should bring you freedom, not bondage.