Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Henry Owen
Abuja, Nigeria — The Ondo State Police Command has apprehended seven individuals in a major theft and conspiracy case involving beverages valued at more than N20 million, authorities confirmed on Saturday. The arrests, made following a complaint from a business owner in Ore, Odigbo Local Government Area, signal intensified efforts by law enforcement to tackle commercial crimes within the state.
According to a statement issued by the command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the case came to light when Ogunyomi Segun, the proprietor of a commercial store in Ore, reported to police that goods had been systematically stolen from his premises over an extended period spanning from 2024 to January 3, 2026.
The stolen merchandise, which included soft drinks, Trophy brand canned beverages and other canned products, was valued at N20.45 million, prompting police to launch a comprehensive investigation.
Investigators identified the suspects — a mix of employees of the complainant and individuals alleged to have received the stolen goods — as key players in the unlawful activity. Those taken into custody include the storekeeper, Oyineke Joseph; the computer operator, Abioye Yusuf; another staff member, Abdullahi Quadir; and three alleged receivers, Michael Njoku, Agu Monday, and Ikuemehin Oloruntimilehin. The final suspect, identified as a driver named Ojewuyi, was also arrested in connection with the case.
During preliminary questioning, all seven suspects reportedly confessed to their roles in the theft and conspiracy, detailing how the scheme was allegedly carried out over the course of more than a year. Their admissions have now formed a central part of the police case, and they are expected to be formally charged in court upon the conclusion of ongoing investigations.
Police Commissioner Adebowale Lawal praised the diligence of officers involved in the investigation, noting that the arrests reflected the command’s strengthened capacity to detect and disrupt criminal enterprises, including theft and property-related offences that have eroded trust in commercial operations.
In the statement, DSP Jimoh also appealed to residents to remain vigilant and to work in partnership with the police by reporting suspicious activity to local authorities. He underscored that community cooperation remains crucial in building a safer and more secure environment across the state.
The incident comes amid broader efforts by the Ondo State Police Command to crack down on criminality, with hundreds of arrests recorded throughout 2025 for offences ranging from armed robbery and cultism to kidnappings and property theft. Authorities have emphasised the importance of intelligence-led policing and improved operational coordination to reduce crime and strengthen public confidence in law enforcement.
As the suspects await prosecution, the case highlights continued challenges facing businesses in Nigeria’s commercial hubs, where internal theft and organised criminal activity can inflict substantial financial losses. Retail owners and community leaders have called for enhanced security measures, including improved surveillance and stricter penalties for perpetrators, to deter similar offences in the future.
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