Man Arrested at Child's Naming Ceremony in Ogun Church for Goat Theft
Operatives of the Ogun State Community Social Orientation and Safety Corps, widely known as So-Safe Corps, have apprehended a 27-year-old man for the alleged theft of three goats in the Ipokia Local Government Area of the state. The suspect, identified as Emmanuel Awahnse, was captured in a dramatic arrest that took place inside a church during the naming ceremony of his own child.
Details of the Arrest and Investigation
The Corps Commander, Dr. Soji Ganzallo, confirmed the arrest through a statement issued over the weekend in Abeokuta by the Director of Information, ACC Adegunwa Adegbuyi. According to Ganzallo, the incident began on February 6, 2026, at approximately 5:00 a.m., when operatives attached to the Ifonyintedo Division spotted the suspect during a routine patrol along the Madoga–Ita-Ege road.
Awahnse was reportedly riding a motorcycle with an accomplice and carrying a suspicious black bag. Upon noticing the law enforcement officers, the suspects allegedly accelerated in an attempt to flee. During the ensuing chase, they abandoned both the motorcycle and the bag, which was later discovered to contain three goats.
Surveillance and Capture
Following this event, the Area Commander of the Ipokia Area Command, ACC Aliu Yusuf, ordered the establishment of a surveillance team to track down the fleeing individuals. The efforts culminated in the arrest of Awahnse, also known by the aliases Ariwo Oja, on February 19 at about 1:30 p.m. He is a native of Odoforo in Ipokia Local Government Area.
During preliminary investigations, the suspect allegedly confessed to stealing the goats at Ifonyintedo along with an accomplice identified as Ketonsu, also known as Ijagun. The stolen animals were recovered as exhibits in the case.
Handover to Police for Further Action
The suspect and the recovered exhibits have been formally handed over to the Nigeria Police Force, Idiroko Division, for further investigation and potential prosecution. This case highlights the ongoing efforts of the So-Safe Corps to combat crime in Ogun State, even in unexpected settings such as religious ceremonies.
The arrest underscores the vigilance of local security operatives in addressing petty crimes that affect community livelihoods, while also raising questions about the circumstances leading to such an incident during a personal family event.
