Ondo Police Crack Down on N20.45 Million Goods Theft in Ore
The Ondo State Police Command has made a significant breakthrough in a high-profile theft case, apprehending seven suspects linked to the alleged stealing of goods valued at a staggering N20.45 million from a commercial store located in Ore, within the Odigbo Local Government Area of the state. This arrest underscores the command's commitment to tackling economic crimes and protecting business interests in the region.
Details of the Theft and Arrest
According to a statement released by the command's spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the incident came to light on January 3, 2026, when Ogunyomi Segun, a resident of Ore, filed a formal report at the Ore Divisional Police Headquarters. Segun alleged that between the year 2024 and January 3, 2026, several of his employees had conspired to pilfer goods from his store in a systematic and calculated manner.
The complainant detailed that the stolen items included a wide array of assorted goods, such as soft drinks, Trophy cans, and various other canned beverages. The total estimated value of these stolen goods was pegged at Twenty Million, Four Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira (N20,450,000.00), highlighting the substantial financial impact on the business.
Suspects and Their Roles
The police investigation led to the identification and arrest of seven individuals involved in the theft. The primary suspects include key employees of the store:
- Oyineke Joseph, male, who served as the storekeeper.
- Abioye Yusuf, male, the computer operator.
- Abdullahi Quadir, male, another staff member.
In addition to these employees, the police also apprehended three receivers of the stolen goods:
- Micheal Njoku, male.
- Agu Monday, male.
- Ikuemehin Oloruntimilehin, male.
Furthermore, a driver identified as Ojewuyi, male, was arrested for his alleged involvement in transporting the stolen items. During the investigation, all suspects reportedly confessed to the crime and provided clear accounts of the specific roles each played in orchestrating the unlawful act, from the initial theft to the subsequent distribution and sale of the goods.
Legal Proceedings and Implications
DSP Abayomi Jimoh emphasized that the suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of the ongoing investigation. This case serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities businesses face from internal threats and the importance of robust security measures. The Ondo State Police Command's swift action in this matter is expected to deter similar crimes and reinforce public confidence in law enforcement's ability to address complex economic offenses.
The arrest has sparked discussions in the Ore community about employee trust and the need for enhanced monitoring in commercial establishments to prevent such large-scale thefts in the future.
