The Ondo State Police Command has arrested seven employees and associates of a wholesale beverage dealer in Ore, Odigbo Local Government Area, over an alleged long-running theft of goods valued at more than N20 million from their employer’s shop.

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said the case was reported by the shop owner, identified as Ogunyomi Segun, who operates a commercial store dealing in assorted drinks and canned beverages in the bustling highway town of Ore.

According to the police, Segun discovered discrepancies in his stock records after noticing that his profits were no longer matching the volume of goods supplied and sold. A detailed internal check reportedly revealed that large quantities of products had been disappearing over an extended period.

Segun then approached the Ore Divisional Police Headquarters, alleging that between 2024 and early 2026, some of his trusted staff had conspired to systematically divert goods from his warehouse and sales outlets without authorization.

Police investigations led to the arrest of seven suspects linked to the alleged scheme. Those named include the storekeeper, identified as Oyineke Joseph, the computer operator, Abioye Yusuf, and another staff member, Abdullahi Quadir. Three alleged receivers of the stolen goods, said to be regular buyers who knowingly purchased the diverted items at cut-rate prices, were identified as Micheal Njoku, Agu Monday, and Ikuemehin Oloruntimilehin. A driver, simply named as Ojewuyi, was also arrested for allegedly helping to move the goods out of the premises.

Jimoh explained that the stolen items consisted mainly of assorted soft drinks, Trophy cans, and other canned beverages, with the total value estimated at N20,450,000. He said that during interrogation, the suspects confessed to their involvement and gave detailed accounts of how the operation was carried out, including how stock records were allegedly manipulated and how the goods were loaded and delivered to the receivers.

The police spokesperson noted that the case highlights the growing challenge of insider theft faced by business owners, particularly in the wholesale and retail sectors where inventory is bulky and often difficult to track in real time.

Jimoh added that the suspects remain in custody while further investigations continue, and that they will be charged to court as soon as the case file is completed and legal advice is obtained.