The Ondo State Police Command says it will charge a man, Ilegbami Jacob, for allegedly posing as a cocoa merchant to collect N36 million from a businessman, Sunday Adegboyo, without supplying the cocoa beans he promised.
The command’s spokesperson, Olayinka Ayanlade, said this in a statement on Thursday.
According to him, the suspect was arrested after the victim filed a petition explaining how Jacob failed to deliver 5.56 tons of cocoa beans despite receiving full payment.
Ayanlade said officers tracked the suspect to his hideout in Akure after he fled.
He said, “Investigation revealed that in July 2025, the complainant entered into a business agreement with the suspect, who falsely presented himself as a cocoa merchant. Under this guise, he collected N36m from the victim with a promise to supply 5.56 tons of cocoa beans, but failed to deliver and subsequently absconded to an unknown destination, giving false assurances that the goods would be supplied from Taraba State.”
He added that police used technology and the Scorpion Squad to trace and arrest him.
“Leveraging technology and the expertise of the command’s Scorpion Squad, operatives identified and traced the suspect to his hideout in Akure, where he was arrested,” he said.
Ayanlade noted that Jacob is still in custody and will appear in court after the investigation is completed.
He said the Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, thanked the Inspector-General of Police for his support and assured residents that the command would continue to break criminal networks and protect genuine businesses in the state.
Ayanlade added that the CP advised business owners to always confirm the identity and trustworthiness of partners before making large payments.
He said, “Vigilance remains the first line of defence against fraud.”
A similar case was reported on May 15 when a Lagos court remanded a businessman, Moruf Gbadamosi, after he was accused of obtaining more than N23m under false pretence.
