Man Arrested During Child’s Naming Ceremony in Ogun Church for Stealing Goats

A 27-year-old man, identified as Emmanuel Awahnse, was dramatically apprehended inside a church in Ogun State during the naming ceremony of his child after being linked to the theft of three goats, authorities have confirmed.

Operatives of the Ogun State Community Social Orientation and Safety Corps (So-Safe Corps) arrested Awahnse in Ipokia Local Government Area following a manhunt that began after a routine patrol on 6 February 2026.

According to So-Safe Corps Commander Dr. Soji Ganzallo, officers attached to the Ifonyintedo Division spotted Awahnse and an accomplice on a motorcycle along the Madoga–Ita-Ege Road in the early hours of that day. Upon noticing the operatives, the suspects reportedly fled, abandoning both the motorcycle and a black bag. A subsequent search of the bag revealed three goats believed to be stolen.

A surveillance team was swiftly deployed under the direction of the Ipokia Area Commander, ACC Aliu Yusuf, and tracked down Awahnse, also known locally as Ariwo Oja and a native of Odoforo in Ipokia. He was arrested on 19 February at approximately 1:30 p.m. inside the church, where he was attending his child’s naming ceremony.

The suspect and the recovered animals have since been handed over to the Nigeria Police Force, Idiroko Division for further investigation and potential prosecution as the case unfolds.