What was meant to be a joyful naming ceremony reportedly turned dramatic in Ipokia, Ogun State.
Operatives of the Ogun State Community Social Orientation and Safety Corps (So-Safe Corps) have arrested a 27-year-old suspect, Emmanuel Awahnse, over the alleged theft of three goats.
According to officials, Awahnse was apprehended inside a church during his child’s naming ceremony. The arrest followed days of surveillance after an earlier encounter with security operatives.
The Corps Commander, Dr. Soji Ganzallo, disclosed that the suspect was first spotted on February 6, 2026, around 5:00 a.m., by officers attached to the Ifonyintedo Division during a routine patrol along the Madoga–Ita-Ege road.
He was reportedly riding a motorcycle with another individual and carrying a black bag. On noticing the patrol team, the two men allegedly sped off. During a pursuit, they abandoned the motorcycle and fled, leaving behind the bag — which officers later discovered contained three goats.
Following the incident, the Ipokia Area Command, led by ACC Aliu Yusuf, reportedly set up a surveillance operation to track the fleeing suspects.
Awahnse, also known locally as Ariwo Oja and said to be a native of Odoforo in Ipokia, was eventually arrested on February 19 at about 1:30 p.m.
During preliminary investigations, authorities allege that he confessed to stealing the goats alongside an accomplice identified as Ketonsu, also known as Ijagun.
The suspect and recovered exhibits have since been handed over to the Nigeria Police Force, Idiroko Division, for further investigation and possible prosecution.
What began as a patrol operation ended in an unexpected church arrest — and the case now moves to the next legal stage.
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