The Ondo State Police Command has dismantled an alleged store theft syndicate and arrested seven suspects in connection with the stealing of goods worth ₦20.45 million in Ore, Odigbo Local Government Area of the state.

Police said the arrests followed a complaint lodged on January 3, 2026, at about 7:00 a.m. by a store owner, Ogunyomi Segun, who reported that some of his employees allegedly conspired to steal goods from his commercial store over a period spanning 2024 to early 2026.

According to the police, the stolen items include assorted beverages such as soft drinks, Trophy canned drinks and other canned products, with the total value estimated at Twenty Million, Four Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira.

The suspects identified by the Command include the storekeeper, Oyineke Joseph; a computer operator, Abioye Yusuf; and another staff member, Abdullahi Quadir. Police also arrested three alleged receivers of the stolen goods — Micheal Njoku, Agu Monday and Ikuemehin Oloruntimilehin — said to have been linked to the operation through a driver identified simply as Ojewuyi.

Spokesperson of the Command, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said investigations revealed that the suspects played different roles in the alleged conspiracy and theft. He added that they have made confessional statements and would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Adebowale Lawal, commended the detectives for what he described as a diligent and professional investigation, noting that the operation reflects the Command’s improved capacity to tackle crime.

Reaffirming the Command’s stance, the police said Ondo State “has never been and will never be a breeding ground for criminal elements,” warning that offenders would face the full weight of the law.

The Command also appreciated members of the public for their cooperation and urged residents to remain vigilant and continue to provide credible information to security agencies to aid crime prevention and detection.