N36m fraud: Suspected fake Ondo cocoa farmer to face trial

The Ondo State Police Command said it would arraign a suspect, Ilegbami Jacob, for allegedly falsely presenting himself as a cocoa farmer to obtain the sum of N36m from one Sunday Adegboyo, with a promise to supply 5.5 tons of cocoa beans, which he failed to deliver.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.

Ayanlade noted that the suspect was arrested following a petition from the victim, who narrated that the suspect had failed to deliver on their agreement.

Following the petition, Ayanlade noted that police operatives tracked the suspect to his hideout in Akure, the state capital, after he had fled from the victim.

Ayanlade added, “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.

“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 noted that the suspect would be charged in court upon the conclusion of an ongoing investigation, while assuring the command’s commitment to cracking down on criminal elements.

The suspect is in custody and will be charged in court upon conclusion of the investigation.

“While appreciating the IG for his unwavering support and transformative leadership, the Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, CP Adebowale Lawal, assures residents that the command remains steadfast in dismantling criminal networks and safeguarding legitimate business interests across the State.

“He further advises business owners and investors to always verify the identities and credibility of partners before engaging in large financial transactions, as vigilance remains the first line of defence against fraud,” Ayanlade concluded.

report a similar incident on May 15 that a Lagos Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja ordered the remand of a businessman, Moruf Gbadamosi, in prison custody for allegedly obtaining over N23m, under false pretence.

Justice Olubunmi Abike-Fadipe remanded him after he was arraigned before the court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission alongside his company, Greenbil Mega Ocean Limited.