The Bayelsa State Police Command has arrested three staff members of the state Ministry of Labour, Empowerment and Productivity over the alleged theft of government equipment valued at about N500 million.
The suspects were alleged to have conspired to steal several government-owned assets, including a 110 KVA Perkins generator, a forklift, lathe machines, electric filling machines and other equipment kept in the ministry’s store.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Musa Mohammed, disclosed the arrests in a statement issued on Saturday in Yenagoa.
According to Mohammed, the investigation was triggered by a petition submitted to the Commissioner of Police after ministry officials discovered that several valuable items were missing during an inspection of the equipment store.
He said, “On June 22, 2026, at about 10:30 a.m., the petitioner led a team comprising staff of the ministry and the Head of the Department of Human Resources Management on an official inspection of the ministry’s equipment store located within the premises of the Ministry of Transport, Yenagoa. Upon opening the store, it was discovered that several valuable government assets, including a 110 KVA Perkins generator, a forklift, lathe machines, electric filling machines and other equipment, were missing.
“Upon receipt of the petition, the Commissioner of Police directed the State Criminal Investigation Department to commence a discreet investigation that led to the arrest of three suspects.”
He identified the suspects as “Wadi Igiran, 51, of Besine community in Yenagoa Local Government Area; Nikade Sunday, 59, of Agbere community in Sagbama Local Government Area; and Azabia Yakie, 59, of Okutukutu community in Yenagoa Local Government Area.”
Mohammed added, “All the suspects, who are staff of the ministry, have confessed to the crime. The forklift has been recovered from the receiver and is in the custody of the State Criminal Investigation Department. Upon conclusion of the investigation, the suspects will be charged to court.”
He reiterated the command’s commitment to protecting public assets, saying, “The command reiterates its commitment to protecting government property, combating economic and property-related crimes, and ensuring that all those involved in criminal activities are brought to justice.”
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