The Ondo State Police Command, under the leadership of CP Adebowale Lawal, has informed the general public of a significant breakthrough recorded in the investigation of a case of conspiracy and stealing involving the fraudulent manipulation of a Point of Sale (POS) device in Akure.

On the 19th day of March, 2026, one Mrs. Obadaye Omotola ‘F’, a trader operating at Ire-Akari, Akure, reported at the Police Station that a group of individuals came to her shop under the guise of purchasing provisions.

According to the complainant, the suspects lured her into what appeared to be a legitimate business transaction, thereby gaining her trust and full attention. During the engagement, the suspects executed a well-coordinated scheme by deliberately distracting her and deceitfully swapping her MoniePoint POS machine for another device. Unknown to the victim, the suspects had closely observed and memorised her confidential Personal Identification Number (PIN) during the transaction, which they subsequently exploited in their fraudulent activities.

Preliminary investigation revealed that immediately after carrying out the fraudulent exchange, the suspects used the stolen POS machine to access the complainant’s funds illegally and transferred a total sum of Six Hundred and Thirty-Two Thousand Naira into accounts under their control.

Upon receipt of the report, detectives of the Command swung into action, employing intelligence-led investigative techniques which led to the prompt arrest of three suspects identified as Adeyemo Joshua ‘M’, Opemiposi Olawale ‘F’, and Oluwashola Blessing ‘M’. One other accomplice linked to the crime is currently at large, and concerted efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect.

During interrogation, the arrested suspects made confessional statements which have provided useful leads and are significantly aiding the ongoing investigation. The Command is also intensifying efforts to trace and recover the stolen funds and to uncover any wider criminal network associated with the suspects. The suspects have been charged in court and remanded in correctional facility.