Three civil servants in Bayelsa State have been arrested over the alleged theft of government equipment valued at approximately N500 million, the Bayelsa State Police Command has said.
The suspects, who are employees of the Bayelsa State Ministry of Labour, Empowerment and Productivity, are accused of conspiring to steal several government-owned assets from the ministry, raising concerns over the protection of public resources and accountability within the public service.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Musa Mohammed, disclosed the arrests in a statement issued on Saturday.
According to Mohammed, the stolen items include a 110 KVA Perkins generator, a forklift, lathe machines, electric filing machines, and other government equipment.
He said the investigation began after a petition was submitted to the Commissioner of Police when ministry officials discovered that several assets were missing during an inspection.
“On June 22, at about 10:30 a.m., the petitioner led a team comprising ministry staff and the Head of Human Resources Management on an inspection,” Mohammed said.
He explained that the inspection was conducted at the ministry’s equipment store located within the premises of the Ministry of Transport in Yenagoa.
“Upon opening the store, it was discovered that several valuable government assets, including a 110 KVA Perkins generator, forklift, and lathe machines, were missing,” he added.
Following the report, the Commissioner of Police directed the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to commence a discreet investigation.
Mohammed said the investigation led to the arrest of three ministry employees: Wadi Igiran, 51, of Besine community in Yenagoa Local Government Area; Nikade Sunday, 59, of Agbere in Sagbama Local Government Area; and Azabia Yakie, 59, of Okutukutu community in Yenagoa Local Government Area.
According to the police spokesperson, the suspects have confessed to the alleged theft.
He added that the stolen forklift had been recovered from the alleged receiver, who is also in the custody of the SCID.
Mohammed said the suspects would be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.
Reaffirming the command’s commitment to protecting public assets and combating economic and property-related crimes, Mohammed said: “The command is committed to ensuring that all those involved in criminal activities are brought to justice.”
