The Bayelsa State Police Command has arrested three employees of the Ministry of Labour, Empowerment and Productivity over the alleged theft of government equipment valued at approximately ₦500 million.
Drivetvnews gathered that the suspects are accused of working together 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.
Police spokesperson, DSP Musa Mohammed, disclosed the arrests in a statement issued on Saturday in Yenagoa.
According to him, the investigation began after officials of the ministry submitted a petition to the Commissioner of Police following the discovery that several valuable items were missing during an inspection of the equipment store.
Mohammed explained that on June 22, 2026, ministry officials, accompanied by the Head of the Human Resources Department, visited the equipment store located within the premises of the Ministry of Transport in Yenagoa. Upon opening the facility, they discovered that several government assets had disappeared.
Following the complaint, the Commissioner of Police directed the State Criminal Investigation Department to launch a discreet investigation, which led to the arrest of three ministry staff members.
The suspects were identified 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.
Police said the suspects have confessed to their involvement in the theft. Investigators also recovered the stolen forklift from the individual who allegedly received it, and it is currently in the custody of the State Criminal Investigation Department.
The command stated that the suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The Bayelsa State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding public assets, tackling economic and property-related crimes, and ensuring that anyone involved in criminal activities is brought to justice.
