Police Arrest Seven over N20m Beverage Theft in Ondo

The Ondo State Police Command has arrested seven suspects in connection with a conspiracy and theft case involving goods valued at ₦20.45 million from a commercial store in Ore, Odigbo Local Government Area.

The Public Relations Officer of the command, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, disclosed this in a statement on Friday.

According to the statement, the complainant, Ogunyomi Segun, reported at the Ore Divisional Police Headquarters that between 2024 and January 3, 2026, some of his employees conspired to steal goods from his store.

The stolen items included soft drinks, Trophy cans, and other canned beverages, with a total estimated value of ₦20,450,000.

“The suspects were identified as the complainant’s storekeeper, Oyineke Joseph; his computer operator, Abioye Yusuf; another staff member, Abdullahi Quadir; while three receivers, Micheal Njoku, Agu Monday, and Ikuemehin Oloruntimilehin, were also arrested through a driver identified as Ojewuyi,” the statement said.

During the investigation, DSP Jimoh added, “The suspects confessed to the crime and clearly stated the roles each of them played in the unlawful act. They will be charged to court upon conclusion of the investigation.”

The Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, CP Adebowale Lawal, commended the detectives for their diligence, saying their actions “reflect the Command’s enhanced capacity to combat crime and criminality.”

The command also expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, whose “reforms and technological initiatives have continued to strengthen policing effectiveness in Ondo State.”

DSP Jimoh urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies, noting, “Collective effort remains vital to the attainment of a safer society.”

PUNCH Online had earlier reported that the Ondo State Police Command arrested no fewer than 2,500 suspected criminals across the state’s 18 local government areas in 2025.

According to the command, the suspects were allegedly involved in crimes such as kidnapping, robbery, murder, theft, cultism, and vandalism.