The Ogun State Community, Social Orientation and Safety Corps, otherwise known as So-Safe, has arrested Ibrahim Ridwan, a 24-year-old scavenger, for robbing and brutally attacking a shepherd of the Celestial Church of Christ in Abeokuta.
The suspect was reported to have chopped off the finger and ear of Tella Orelope, the shepherd of Orelope Parish, Abule Owe, Greenland Community along Randa, Abeokuta North Local Government Area.
News of the arrest was contained in a statement signed and made available to NewsNow on Thursday by the corps spokesperson, Moruf Yusuf.
According to the statement, Ridwan had sneaked into the church to steal the shepherd’s motorbike, electronic appliances and cables, among others.
The statement reads: “On July 18, 2024, at about 4 am, 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 suspects.
“ 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 shed behind Railway Police Station, Lafenwa, Abeokuta, was apprehended at the scene.
“Ridwan confessed that his mission was to loot the church, [stealing] 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.”
Items recovered from the suspect include a cutlass, scissors, and pliers.
Yusuf stated that the suspect and the exhibits have been transferred to the Nigeria Police Force, Sabo Ilupeju Divisional Headquarters for further investigation and likely prosecution.