Seven arrested over ₦20.45m store theft in Ondo

Police in Ondo State have taken seven people into custody over the alleged theft of goods worth ₦20.45 million from a commercial outlet in Ore, Odigbo Local Government Area.

The state police spokesperson,Abayomi Jimoh, said the case was reported by the shop owner, Ogunyomi Segun, who accused some of his workers of secretly removing stock over an extended period.

According to the police, the items taken included soft drinks, Trophy cans and other canned beverages. Investigators identified the suspects as the store’s keeper, computer operator and another staff member, alongside three alleged receivers.

“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,” Jimoh said.

He 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.”

Commending the operatives, the Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, said their efforts “reflect the Command’s enhanced capacity to combat crime and criminality”.

Jimoh also urged residents to support security agencies, noting that “collective effort remains vital to the attainment of a safer society”.