The Bayelsa State Police Command has arrested three staff members of the Bayelsa State Ministry of Labour, Empowerment and Productivity over the alleged theft of government equipment valued at about ₦500 million.
The suspects are accused of conspiring to steal several government-owned assets, including a 110 KVA Perkins generator, a forklift, lathe machines, electric filling machines and other equipment stored in the ministry’s warehouse.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Musa Mohammed, disclosed the arrests in a statement issued on Saturday in Yenagoa.
According to him, the investigation followed a petition submitted to the Commissioner of Police after officials of the ministry discovered that several valuable government assets had disappeared during an inspection of the equipment store.
Mohammed explained that the inspection was carried out by ministry officials alongside the Head of the Department of Human Resources Management.
“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 said.
The command identified the suspects as Wadi Igiran, 51, from Besine community in Yenagoa Local Government Area; Nikade Sunday, 59, from Agbere community in Sagbama Local Government Area; and Azabia Yakie, 59, from Okutukutu community in Yenagoa Local Government Area.
According to the police, all three suspects are employees of the ministry and have allegedly confessed to their roles in the theft during interrogation.
Mohammed disclosed that investigators have recovered the stolen forklift from the alleged receiver, while efforts are ongoing to recover the remaining missing equipment.
“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 added.
The police spokesperson reaffirmed the command’s determination to safeguard public property and ensure that those responsible for economic and property-related crimes are prosecuted.
“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,” Mohammed stated.