Three employees of the Bayelsa State Ministry of Labour, Empowerment and Productivity have been arrested by the police over the alleged theft of government equipment estimated to be worth about N500 million.
The suspects are accused of working together to steal several government-owned assets stored in the ministry’s warehouse.
The items allegedly taken include a 110 KVA Perkins generator, a forklift, lathe machines, electric filing machines, and other valuable equipment.
Confirming the development on Saturday in Yenagoa, the spokesperson for the Bayelsa State Police Command, DSP Musa Mohammed, said the arrests were made following investigations into the alleged theft of the government property. He added that further investigations are ongoing.
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.”
