LAGOS POLICE ARREST SUSPECT OVER N1BN PETROL THEFT, RECOVER N300M ASSETS

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Agency Report

The Nigeria Police Force in Lagos State has arrested one of the principal suspects linked to the alleged theft of Premium Motor Spirit valued at N1.02 billion and recovered assets worth over N300 million believed to be proceeds of the crime.

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr Fatai Tijani, disclosed this on Tuesday while briefing journalists at the command headquarters in Ikeja.

According to Tijani, the arrest followed a petition filed by MEA Energy over an alleged conspiracy and theft involving petroleum products worth N1.02 billion, allegedly carried out by two suspects.

“Upon receipt of the complaint, operatives of the command commenced discreet investigation supported by technical intelligence gathering and surveillance operations,” the police commissioner said.

He explained that after 12 days of intensive tracking and coordinated follow-up operations, one of the principal suspects, aged 38, was apprehended in Delta State while allegedly attempting to evade arrest.

“The suspect was successfully tracked and apprehended through coordinated inter-state policing efforts by operatives of the command,” Tijani added.

The commissioner further disclosed that the suspect allegedly confessed to participating in the crime during interrogation.

According to him, the suspect later assisted investigators in recovering cash and properties valued at more than N300 million, identified as proceeds from the illegal diversion of petroleum products.

Tijani stated that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the second suspect, who remains at large.

He added that the arrested suspect would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.