The Police in Ogun on Saturday arrested a “Shepherd” in charge of a Celestial Church of Christ, Peter Omope, for illegal possession of firearms and attempted murder.

Police spokesperson, Abimbola Oyeyemi, stated that Mr Omope shepherds a branch of the church at Olambe Junction in Akute area of Ogun State.

The spokesperson explained that Mr Omope was arrested following a distress call received from one Deji Olaketan, at Ajuwon Police Divisional Headquarters.

Mr Olaketan told the police that he drove his boss to the airport in company of an 18-year-old lady, another domestic staff and returned the vehicle to the residence of a relation of the boss as instructed.

“On their way home, they were informed that traditional religion worshippers were conducting a street sacrifice in the area forbidden for females to see.

“They decided to take refuge in a Celestial church where a vigil was on-going so as to join in the proceedings as it was already late in the night.

“While they were at the entrance of the church, the suspect who happened to be the Shepherd-in-Charge came out with a pump action rifle and before they could utter any explanation, he shot the lady in the leg.

“Upon the distress call, the police moved to the scene where the suspect was promptly arrested,” the spokesperson stated.

He added that the victim was taken to Ifako-Ijaye General Hospital, from where she was referred to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital and finally to the Orthopaedics Hospital, Igbobi, Lagos.

The police also recovered the rifle and five live cartridges from the suspect, and then transferred the pastor to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department for further investigation.

(NAN)