Operatives of the Ogun State Community Social Orientation and Safety Corps, popularly known as So-Safe Corps, have arrested a 27-year-old man, Emmanuel Awahnse, for allegedly stealing three goats in Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun State.
Awahnse was apprehended inside a church during the naming ceremony of his newborn child, bringing an unexpected twist to what was meant to be a joyous occasion. His arrest followed days of surveillance and intelligence gathering by officers of the corps.
The Corps Commander, Dr. Soji Ganzallo, disclosed that the suspect was initially spotted in the early hours of February 6, 2026, at about 5:00 a.m. Operatives attached to the Ifonyintedo Division were on routine patrol along the Madoga–Ita-Ege road when they observed two men riding a motorcycle under suspicious circumstances. One of the riders was carrying a black bag that appeared unusually heavy.
Upon noticing the presence of security operatives, the two men allegedly accelerated in an attempt to evade arrest. This action raised further suspicion and prompted the officers to give chase. During the pursuit, the suspects reportedly abandoned the motorcycle and fled into nearby surroundings, leaving behind the black bag.
A search of the bag revealed three goats believed to have been stolen. The recovered animals were secured, and efforts immediately began to identify and apprehend the fleeing suspects. Following the incident, the Area Commander of Ipokia Area Command, ACC Aliu Yusuf, ordered the formation of a surveillance team to track down those responsible.
After nearly two weeks of coordinated efforts and monitoring, Awahnse, also known by the alias “Ariwo Oja,” and said to be a native of Odoforo in Ipokia Local Government Area, was arrested on February 19 at about 1:30 p.m. Security operatives traced him to a church where he was attending his child’s naming ceremony. He was taken into custody without incident.
During preliminary interrogation, Awahnse reportedly confessed to participating in the theft alongside an accomplice identified as Ketonsu, also known as “Ijagun.” According to investigators, the goats were stolen from the Ifonyintedo area before the suspects attempted to transport them away on a motorcycle.
The suspect, along with the recovered goats and other exhibits, has been handed over to the Nigeria Police Force, Idiroko Division, for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The So-Safe Corps reiterated its commitment to safeguarding lives and property across Ogun State, emphasizing that criminal activities, regardless of scale, will be met with swift action. Residents have also been encouraged to remain vigilant and to promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies to help curb crime within their communities.
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