The Bayelsa State Police Command has arrested three employees of the Ministry of Labour, Empowerment and Productivity over the alleged theft of government equipment estimated to be worth N500 million.
The suspects are accused of working together to steal several government assets kept in the ministry’s equipment store, including a 110 KVA Perkins generator, a forklift, lathe machines, electric filling machines and other valuable equipment.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Musa Mohammed, confirmed the arrests in a statement issued on Saturday in Yenagoa.
Mohammed explained that the investigation began after officials of the ministry reported the disappearance of several items during a routine 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.”
The police 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 Mohammed, “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 reaffirmed the command’s resolve to safeguard public property and tackle economic crimes, stating, “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.”
