Six Arraigned Over Alleged N200 Million Cocoa Theft in Ondo

Six men have been arraigned before an Akure Magistrate's Court in Ondo State over the alleged theft of cocoa beans valued at N200 million.

The defendants, identified as Florunsho Itapere, Kehinde Omotayo, Kole Moses, Femi Babatunde, Adebiyi Michael, and Adewoye Akingbola, were brought before the court on charges bordering on conspiracy, stealing, and receiving stolen property.

According to the prosecuting counsel, Nelson Akintimehin, the alleged offences were committed between April 2025 and April 2026 at Agro Traders Limited, located in the Alagbaka area of Akure.

Akintimehin told the court that four of the defendants allegedly stole about 500 bags of cocoa beans weighing approximately five tons and belonging to one Korede Bolawaji.

The prosecutor further alleged that the stolen cocoa beans were valued at N200 million.

He also accused Adebiyi Michael and Adewoye Akingbola of knowingly receiving the stolen produce in collaboration with other suspects who are currently at large.

The six defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against them.

Following their plea, the prosecution sought an adjournment and informed the court that four witnesses would be called to testify during the trial.

Defence counsel, H.O. Orishameyinti, urged the court to grant the defendants bail pending the determination of the case.

In his ruling, Magistrate Adedapo Sunday admitted each of the defendants to bail in the sum of N1.5 million with two sureties in like sum.

The case was subsequently adjourned until July 1, 2026, for hearing.