A scavenger, Ibrahim Ridwan, aged 24, has been arrested by Ogun State Community, Social Orientation and Safety Corps for alleged robbery at the Celestial Church of Christ, Orelope Parish, Abule Owe, Greenland Community in Abeokuta North Local Government Area of the state.
Ridwan was also alleged to have attacked the Shepherd of the church, Tella Orelope, with a machete, inflicting serious injury on him and even chopping off one of his fingers.
This was according to a press release issued by the State Commander of So-Safe Corps, Soji Ganzallo, through the office of the Director of Information and Public Relations, Assistant Commander Moruf Yusuf, on Thursday.
The Ogun State established security agency said that Ridwan was arrested in the early hours of Thursday at about 4 am after the corps responded to the distress call that the Shepherd was under attack.
The statement partly reads, “On July 18, 2024, at about 0400hrs, the Corps received information that the Shepherd was under attack by armed robbers. The Special Squad of the Corps, led by ACC Elijah Ogundimu, was deployed to rescue the victim and apprehend the suspect
“Upon arrival, the team found the victim with severe injuries, including a chopped-off finger and ear. The suspect, Ibrahim Ridwan, 24, who resides under a scavenger’s shed behind the railway Police Station, in Lafenwa, Abeokuta, was apprehended at the scene.
“Ridwan confessed that his mission was to loot the Church, the Shepherd’s motorbike, electronic appliances, cables, etc. He also admitted to attacking the Shepherd’s wife who heard the noise and tried to escape”.
Exhibits recovered from the suspect include a cutlass, scissors, and pliers.
The suspect and exhibits recovered were said to have been transferred to the Nigeria Police Force, Sabo Ilupeju Divisional Headquarters for further investigation and likely prosecution.
OUR HERITAGE REPORTER