Ondo Cocoa Heist: Another Suspect in Custody

Ondo Cocoa Heist: Another Suspect in Custody

The Ondo State Police Command under the leadership of CP Adebowale Lawal, Psc(+), mnips, wishes to inform the general public that, further to its press release of 24th November, 2025 on ₦141.75M cocoa beans theft, operatives of the Command Monitoring Unit have arrested an additional suspect in Kaduna.

The suspect, identified as Gabriel Emmanuel, male, aged 35years, was apprehended on 9th February 2026 in Kaduna following an intensive investigation into the activities of a criminal syndicate responsible for the theft of 189 bags of cocoa beans belonging to Agro Traders Ltd.

Investigations revealed that the suspect conspired with other syndicate members namely; Ajayi Olakunle, Adegbemiro Taiwo, Abdul Emmanuel, Abdulmaleek Yakubu, and Anthony Oluwafemi to steal the cocoa beans in batches. The stolen goods were reportedly transported to the residence of one Esther John in Akure, where they were sold. Proceeds from the sales were credited into Gabriel Emmanuel’s bank account, after which the funds were shared among them.

Upon learning of the arrest of some of his accomplices, the suspect fled from Akure to Kaduna, relocating with his family in a bid to evade arrest. However, leveraging modern technological tools and actionable intelligence, operatives of the Command successfully tracked and apprehended him at his hideout in Kaduna.

The suspect has confessed to the crime and has provided useful information aiding ongoing investigations. All suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations. 

The Command reiterates its unwavering commitment to combating economic sabotage and criminal conspiracy and urges members of the public to continue providing credible and actionable information that will assist in crime prevention and detection.

The Commissioner of Police also expresses appreciation to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun PhD, NPM, for his unwavering support, which continues to strengthen the Command’s operational capacity and enhance effective policing across the State.

The Command assures the general public and the business community that the suspects will be diligently prosecuted. It further reiterates that any individual or syndicate who commits a crime within Ondo State, regardless of the distance to which they may flee, will be tracked, arrested, and brought to justice. Likewise, anyone who enters the State with the intention of perpetrating criminal activities will inevitably be apprehended and made to face the full weight of the law.

This case stands as yet another clear testament to the Command’s resolve and operational effectiveness.

For any inquiries, please contact:

0906 058 8958

X: @OndoPoliceNg

Instagram: Ondopolicecommand

Facebook: Ondo State Police Command

Email: Ondopolice@gmail.com

E-Signed

 *DSP ABAYOMI JIMOH* 

Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO)

Ondo State Command 

16th February, 2026.