The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a new suspect in connection with the ₦141.75 million cocoa beans theft, the force announced yesterday.
The arrest is part of ongoing investigations into the high-profile case that has shaken the state’s agribusiness sector.
The suspect, Gabriel Emmanuel, 35, was apprehended on February 9, 2026, in Kaduna after a targeted operation by the Command’s Monitoring Unit.
Investigators had been tracking the movements of a criminal syndicate involved in the theft of 189 bags of cocoa beans belonging to Agro Traders Ltd.
According to the police, Emmanuel collaborated with other members of the syndicate, including Ajayi Olakunle, Adegbemiro Taiwo, Abdul Emmanuel, Abdulmaleek Yakubu, and Anthony Oluwafemi, to steal the cocoa in batches.
The stolen goods were reportedly moved to a residence in Akure, where they were sold.
Proceeds from the sales were said to have been credited to Emmanuel’s bank account before being shared among the syndicate members.
Following earlier arrests, Emmanuel allegedly fled Akure with his family in an attempt to evade the law, relocating to Kaduna.
Leveraging modern technology and intelligence reports, police operatives traced Emmanuel to his hideout and successfully apprehended him.
He has reportedly confessed to his role in the theft and is providing information to aid ongoing investigations.
The Command stated that all suspects will be charged to court once investigations conclude.
Police assured that their commitment to tackling economic crimes and syndicate operations remains firm.
Commissioner of Police Adebowale Lawal also expressed gratitude to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, for his support, which has strengthened the operational capacity of the Command.
The Command warned that any individual or group committing crimes in Ondo State, no matter how far they flee, will be tracked and prosecuted.
It further promised that criminals entering the state with intent to commit offenses would face the full weight of the law.
