By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The police authority has broken its silence and clarified lingering speculations surrounding a bizarre and sacrilegious incident that unfolded at the highly dreaded Agemo Shrine in the Ijebu Ode area of Ogun State — one that sent shockwaves through the ancient city and triggered a flurry of reactions online and offline.
The incident, which occurred over the weekend, involved a man identified as Jeremiah Nwoke, who allegedly attempted to desecrate the iconic Agemo deity statue by severing and stealing the golden idol therein. The statue, a cultural monument reportedly commissioned over 21 years ago, stands at the Itoro Roundabout along Folagbade Road in Ijebu Ode, and is a symbol of spiritual reverence among traditional worshippers in the region.
Eyewitnesses and local residents were jolted awake over the weekend to find the once-majestic statue vandalized, with its golden headpiece forcibly removed. Alongside the shattered remnants of the deity’s crown lay a man, clad in a blue top, motionless. A viral video that surfaced shortly after showed the man lying beside the desecrated statue, fueling widespread speculation that he had been struck dead by the deity in what many described as divine retribution for a sacrilegious act.
The mystery deepened as more unverified reports circulated, claiming that the alleged thief had died at the scene — an assertion that rapidly gained traction on social media, sparking fear, awe, and outrage in equal measure.
However, in a significant twist to the tale, the Ogun State Police Command, through its spokesperson, SP Omolola Odutola, has debunked those claims and provided a clearer, more factual account of what transpired.
In a statement over the week, SP Odutola confirmed that the suspect, Jeremiah Nwoke, is alive and currently in police custody. She described the incident as a shocking case of shrine desecration, revealing that the suspect had attempted to sever the crown of the Agemo statue before being apprehended by law enforcement officers.
“A male adult, Jeremiah Nwoke, desecrated the revered Agemo Shrine by severing its crown, which has since been recovered and is now in safe custody at the Obalende Police Station,” she stated.
Odutola emphasized that contrary to the viral rumors, Nwoke was not struck dead at the scene, but was rather subdued and rescued by the police who arrived promptly and acted swiftly to prevent what could have escalated into violent unrest by agitated traditional worshippers.
“Prompt response by the police at the scene calmed tension and prevented potential violent escalation by traditional worshippers,” she added.
She also revealed that preliminary evaluations suggest that the suspect may be suffering from a mental health condition, noting that psychological assessments are currently underway to determine his mental state.
“Initial observations suggest signs of mental instability,” Odutola explained, adding that the Command is taking all necessary measures to ensure that due process is followed.
While the motive behind the attempted theft remains unclear, the incident has stirred intense emotions and debates within and beyond the Ijebu Ode community — with many viewing it as not just a criminal offense, but a spiritual affront to centuries of sacred tradition and cultural heritage.
Meanwhile, calm has reportedly returned to the area, with no further threats to public safety. Odutola reassured residents and visitors alike that the situation is under control and that the Ogun State Police Command remains committed to maintaining peace and order in the region.
“Ijebu Ode remains calm. Members of the public are assured of their safety as the investigation into the incident continues,” she assured.
