Alleged theft of Agemo statue: Suspect in custody, placed on mental evaluation – Police
The Ogun State police command on Sunday, said the suspect who allegedly tried to steal and cart away the Agemo statue at Itoro junction, Ijebu ode, is alive and not dead.
The command added that the suspect, identified as Jeremiah Nwoke, is in custody and currently undergoing mental evaluation.
Salient Times reports that on Saturday, a video surfaced online showing an unidentified man lying lifeless and alleged to have been killed while attempting to steal the Agemo crown.
The man clothed with a blue shirt was seen lying lifeless with the statue on him.
However, the police on Sunday in a statement by it’s public relations officer, Omolola Odutola, said the suspect, Jeremiah Nwoke, was not dead.
Odutola stated that the crown had also been recovered and kept safe at the Obalende Police Station.
She said, “ The Agemo statue at Itoro Roundabout, Ijebu Ode was reportedly damaged on Saturday, 12th April 2025.
“A male adult, Jeremiah Nwoke, desecrated the revered Agemo Shrine by severing its crown which has since been recovered and in safe custody at Obalende Police Station.
“ Prompt response by the police at the scene calmed tension and prevented potential violent escalation by traditional worshippers.
“ The suspect is presently undergoing psychological evaluation, as initial observations suggest signs of mental instability”.
Odutola, however,urged members of the public to remain calm, adding that an investigation is ongoing to unravel all information surrounding the incident.
