Police break silence on man who allegedly died while attempting to steal golden idol from dreaded shrine

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A strange and sacrificial incident that occurred at the much-feared Agemo Shrine in the Ijebu Ode neighborhood of Ogun State sent shockwaves through the ancient city and sparked a flurry of reactions both online and offline has prompted the police authority to break its silence and address persistent rumors.

An individual named Jeremiah Nwoke was accused of attempting to defile the famous Agemo deity statue over the weekend by cutting and taking the golden idol inside.

Standing near the Itoro Roundabout along Folagbade Road in Ijebu Ode, the statue is a cultural monument that was purportedly commissioned more than 21 years ago. Among the local traditional worshippers, it is a symbol of spiritual veneration.

The once-majestic monument was destroyed over the weekend, with its golden helmet violently removed, shocking locals and witnesses. A man in a blue top was lying still next to the broken remains of the god’s crown.

The man was shown lying next to the desecrated monument in a widely shared video that went viral soon after, leading many to believe that the god had killed him in what many referred to as divine vengeance for a heinous deed.

As more unverified rumors surfaced that the alleged burglar had died at the site, the story grew more complex. This accusation quickly gathered popularity on social media, evoking equal parts wrath, awe, and dread.

In a major turn of events, however, the Ogun State Police Command has refuted such allegations and offered a more lucid, accurate explanation of what happened through its spokesperson, SP Omolola Odutola.

Jeremiah Nwoke, the suspect, is still alive and in police custody, according to a statement released by SP Odutola earlier this week.

The culprit had tried to cut off the Agemo statue’s crown before being caught by police, she said, calling the act a startling instance of shrine destruction.

“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.

Contrary to the widely circulated stories, Odutola stressed that Nwok was not killed at the spot but rather controlled and saved by the police, who arrived on time and took immediate action to stop what might have turned into violent disruption by angry traditional worshippers.

“Prompt response by the police at the scene calmed tension and prevented potential violent escalation by traditional worshippers,” she added.

She added that psychological tests are being conducted to ascertain the suspect’s mental state because initial assessments indicate that he may have a mental health issue.

“Initial observations suggest signs of mental instability,” Odutola explained, adding that the Command is doing everything it can to guarantee that due process is observed.

Although the reason for the attempted theft is still unknown, the event has sparked heated discussions and feelings both inside and outside of the Ijebu Ode community. Many people see it as a spiritual insult to centuries of revered tradition and cultural legacy, in addition to being a criminal act.

According to reports, the area is now peaceful again and there are no longer any dangers to public safety. Odutola informed both locals and tourists that the situation is under control and that the Ogun State Police Command is still dedicated to preserving regional peace and order.

“Ijebu Ode remains calm. Members of the public are assured of their safety as the investigation into the incident continues,” she assured.

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