By Ireti Asemota.
Ondo State Police have arrested a suspect, Ilegbami Jacob, for allegedly defrauding a businessman of N36 million by falsely presenting himself as a cocoa merchant. The suspect promised to supply 5.56 tons of cocoa beans but failed to deliver and went into hiding.
According to a statement released Thursday by the command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Olayinka Ayanlade, the victim, Sunday Adegboyo, reported the matter after repeated failed attempts to receive the goods. Police launched an investigation following the petition.
“Operatives of the Scorpion Squad used technology and intelligence to trace the suspect to his hideout in Akure, where he was apprehended,” Ayanlade said. “He had fled after collecting the money in July 2025, giving false assurances that the cocoa was coming from Taraba State.”
The suspect remains in custody and will be arraigned upon conclusion of the investigation.
Commissioner of Police CP Adebowale Lawal commended the Inspector General of Police for ongoing support and urged traders to verify the credibility of business partners before large transactions. “Vigilance is the first line of defense against fraud,” he warned.
Similar Case in Lagos
The Ondo arrest comes months after a parallel incident in Lagos. On May 15, 2025, a Special Offences Court in Ikeja ordered the remand of businessman Moruf Gbadamosi and his company, Greenbil Mega Ocean Limited, for allegedly obtaining over N23 million under false pretenses.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned the defendants before Justice Olubunmi Abike-Fadipe. Gbadamosi pleaded not guilty, but remains in custody pending fulfillment of bail conditions.
Both cases highlight a growing trend of advance fee fraud in Nigeria’s agricultural and business sectors, where scammers exploit trust in commodity and investment deals.
Authorities are calling for stronger due diligence, digital verification systems, and public awareness to curb such crimes.
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