Six arrested for N71m fraud in Ondo

The Ondo State Police Command has arrested six suspects over the alleged fraudulent sale and illegal transfer of three heavy-duty vehicles valued at over N71 million. The state Police Public Relations Officer, Abayomi Jimoh, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday. According to him, the suspects included Adeola Kolawole, 56; Alhaji Gani Bello, 73; Oladoja Akeem, 56; Wasiu Adigun, 55; Azeez Yusuf, 49; and Ojo Mudasiru, 40. The PPRO stated that they were arrested in Ibadan, Oyo State, following an intelligence-led investigation by operatives of the Fagun Division. Jimoh said the case was reported to the police on May 22, 2026, by a resident of Ayegunle Street, Ondo, identified as Paul Aderemi, who noted that he had purchased a low-loader truck, a tipper truck and a small truck valued at approximately N71m in May 2025 and entrusted them to the principal suspect, Kolawole, under an agreed arrangement. He stated that the complainant later discovered on May 13, 2026, that the vehicles had allegedly been sold without his authorisation and subsequently reported the matter. “The complainant, however, discovered on 13th May, 2026, that the vehicles had allegedly been sold without his authorisation. Disturbed by the development, he promptly reported the matter to the police. “Upon receipt of the complaint, detectives immediately commenced a comprehensive investigation,” Jimoh stated. He noted that the arrest of the principal suspect provided a breakthrough in the investigation after he allegedly confessed to selling the vehicles to another suspect in Ibadan. Related News VIDEO: Makinde urges calm over Oyo kidnappings, says protests may embolden abductors Take-It-Back movement protests Oyo abductions, demands pupils’ release Oyo abduction: NUT strike begins as Tinubu sends 1,000 forest guards Jimoh continued, “Acting on credible intelligence, the principal suspect, Adeola Kolawole, was arrested and subsequently made useful statements during interrogation, allegedly admitting to selling the vehicles to one Alhaji Gani Bello in Ibadan. “This confession provided vital leads that enabled investigators to track down and arrest other suspects believed to have played various roles in the unlawful transaction.” The PPRO disclosed that efforts were ongoing to recover the three vehicles and determine the full extent of the alleged criminal conspiracy. According to the command, all six suspects have reportedly made confessional statements and will be charged in court upon the conclusion of the investigations. “The command is currently intensifying efforts to recover the