Two operatives of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun Corps, have been arrested for allegedly stealing cocoa beans in Idanre Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The suspects, identified as Ajayi Adebusuyi, 45, and Oluwadare Olubodun, 42, were reportedly caught inside a cocoa farm during a routine inspection near Gbalegi Camp in Idanre. The farm’s caretaker, Friday Abbah, had laid surveillance after repeated cases of cocoa theft.
During the operation, the officers were allegedly apprehended with cocoa pods suspected to have been stolen, which were recovered as exhibits. A resident, who gave his name as Abel, said the suspects were handed over to the divisional headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force in Idanre.
Confirming the arrests, Ondo State Police Command spokesman DSP Olayinka Ayanlade stated that the development followed several complaints from farm managers. He added that the suspects are now in custody and that the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation.
“The security operatives visited the farmland at Gbalegi Camp and were able to ascertain several empty cocoa pods on the farm. We have the two men in custody, and the case has been ordered to be transferred to the SCID for further investigation,” Ayanlade said.
The incident has sparked concern among residents of Idanre, a community known for cocoa production, over the alleged involvement of security operatives in theft activities they were tasked to prevent.
