POLICE APPRHEND 3 BAYELSA WORKERS FOR N500m EQUIPMENT THEFT
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BY JEN NOMAMIUKOR
The Bayelsa State Police have arrested three workers from the state‘s Ministry of Labour, Empowerment and Productivity.They are accused of stealing government equipment worth around N500 million.
The suspects are said to have planned the theft together.
They are believed to have taken several government assets, such as a 110 KVA Perkins generator, a forklift, lathe machines, electric filling machines, and other equipment stored in the ministry‘s warehouse.
A statement from the police command‘s spokesperson, DSP Musa Mohammed, was released on Saturday in Yenagoa.
Mohammed explained that the investigation started after a report was made to the Commissioner of Police. This came after ministry staff noticed that some important items were missing during a check 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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