Amotekun arrests three over alleged theft of 97 goats in Osun

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo –

The Osun State Security Network Agency, codenamed the Amotekun Corps, has arrested three suspects over the alleged theft of 97 goats in Ila-Orangun, Osun State.

The suspects were identified as Ajayi Tope, 34, from Ila-Orangun; Babalola Afeez, 46; and Tajudeen Isiaka, 46, both from Ado-Ekiti in Ekiti State. They were apprehended at midnight on December 31, 2025, by operatives of the Amotekun Corps attached to the Ila-Orangun Command.

In a statement signed by the spokesperson of the corps, Yusuf Abass, on Friday, the arrests followed complaints by residents over the persistent disappearance of goats in the community.

Abass said Amotekun operatives placed the suspects under surveillance before they were eventually arrested in the act when they returned to the town late at night to steal more goats.

According to him, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly confessed to the crime, admitting that the operation was not their first and that they had carried out similar thefts in the town on eight occasions.

The suspects further disclosed that the stolen goats were sold to their alleged leader, identified as Ibrahim Akona, based in Ado-Ekiti, at the rate of ₦20,000 per goat after each operation.

Confirming the arrest, the Corps Commander of the Osun Amotekun Corps, Adekunle Omoyele, said a total of 97 goats were stolen and sold in Ado-Ekiti, commending the vigilance and professionalism of the Ila-Orangun operatives.

According to Omoyele, the suspects were apprehended after sustained surveillance triggered by complaints from the community, adding that efforts are ongoing to arrest the alleged kingpin, who is currently at large.