A 56-year-old man, Ayo Akinpelu, who runs a beer parlour in Ondo State, has been arrested by Amotekun operatives in Ipetu-Ijesa community after he was caught stealing goats.

He later confessed that he used the stolen animals to prepare pepper soup, which he sold to unsuspecting customers in his bar.

According to Amotekun spokesperson Yusuf Idowu, who released a statement in Osogbo on Thursday, the suspect was caught with a goat hidden inside his Lexus Jeep. Residents had alerted security after noticing suspicious movements.

Community members stopped Akinpelu’s car and insisted on searching it, which led to the discovery of the animals.

Since he could not give a convincing explanation, he was immediately handed over to Amotekun officers who quickly arrived at the scene.

During interrogation, the suspect admitted he had been involved in goat theft for more than seven years. He explained that the animals were cooked and served as pepper soup in his beer parlour without customers knowing.

Akinpelu also revealed that he tricked goats with salt to make them less aggressive before putting them inside his vehicle. He further confessed that he often travelled to neighbouring Osun communities to steal more animals for his illegal business.

Confirming the arrest, the Osun Amotekun Corps Commander, Isaac Omoyele, praised the quick response of residents who exposed the suspect and assisted in his capture.