Operatives of the Ondo State Police Command have arrested a staff member of a popular hotel in Akure, the state capital, for allegedly stealing a customer's gold chain valued at N11 million.
The suspect, identified as Temitope Ajayi, worked at Dejavu Hotel, Alagbaka, Akure, and allegedly committed the crime on June 22, 2025, before being arrested a few days ago.
During a press briefing at the Command headquarters over the weekend, the Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, said efforts were ongoing to recover the stolen item.
Lawal also disclosed that one Gbenga Ojo stole a gold necklace valued at N5,155,000 and sold it to Garuba Jubril for N3,084,000 on August 13, 2025. Both suspects are currently in custody.
According to him, the Command in recent weeks has achieved remarkable breakthroughs in crime prevention, detection and prosecution.
He said: "Guided by the strategic vision and people-centred policing philosophy of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, the Ondo State Police Command has continued to demonstrate resilience, innovation, and professionalism in safeguarding the lives and property of our citizens."
The Commissioner further announced the arrest of suspects and recovery of firearms by operatives of the Tactical Intelligence Response Squad (TIRS), who cracked a case of armed robbery and murder in Ondo town.
A 25-year-old motorcyclist, Nwike Sabbat, was reportedly killed and his motorcycle snatched. "Swift police action led to the arrest of three suspects, Adeife Adewumi 'm', Matthew Johnson 'm', and Diisu Sunday 'm', who all confessed to the crime. Recovered exhibits include two cut-to-size barrel guns, one live cartridge, and one expended cartridge. Further investigation exposed their arms supplier, Chief Kogbona (87), from whom ten live cartridges were recovered," he said.
Additionally, suspected cultists were arrested in Owo on August 27, 2025, by operatives of B' Division, following a crackdown on notorious cult members terrorising the Isuada community. "Two members of the dreaded Aye confraternity, Adams Precious, 25, and Kayode Alana, 26, were arrested. They have since been transferred to the Anti-Cultism Section for discreet investigation, bringing relief to residents of the troubled area."
Lawal added that the Command had recently launched a special operation targeting the illegal use of vehicles and motorcycles in crimes.
"This proactive measure has yielded commendable results, dealing a heavy blow to criminal elements who rely on stolen or unauthorised vehicles to perpetrate crimes," he stated.