Police Nab Additional Suspect in ₦141.75m Cocoa Theft, Track Fleeing Syndicate Member to Kaduna
The Ondo State Police Command has arrested an additional suspect in connection with the ₦141.75 million cocoa beans theft case, tightening the net around a criminal syndicate accused of stealing 189 bags of produce belonging to Agro Traders Ltd.
The latest suspect, Gabriel Emmanuel, 35, was apprehended on February 9, 2026, in Kaduna after operatives of the Command’s Monitoring Unit tracked him down following weeks of investigation.
Police said Emmanuel allegedly conspired with other suspects — 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.
According to the Command, proceeds from the sales were paid into Emmanuel’s bank account before being shared among members of the syndicate.
Investigators revealed that Emmanuel fled Akure for Kaduna with his family after learning that some of his accomplices had been arrested. However, police operatives, leveraging modern technological tools and actionable intelligence, tracked and apprehended him at his hideout.
The suspect has reportedly confessed and provided useful information to aid ongoing investigations. Police said all suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to combating economic sabotage and criminal conspiracy across the state. He also expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, for continued support in strengthening operational capacity.
The Command assured residents and the business community that the suspects would be diligently prosecuted, warning that individuals or syndicates engaging in criminal activities within the state would be tracked and brought to justice, regardless of where they flee.
Members of the public are encouraged to provide credible and actionable information to assist in crime prevention and detection.
