The Bayelsa State Police Command has arrested three staff members of the State Ministry of Labour, Empowerment and Productivity over the alleged theft of government equipment valued at more than N500 million.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Musa Mohammed, disclosed the arrests in a statement issued on Friday, July 17, 2026.
The suspects were identified as Wadi Igiran, Nikade Sunday and Azabia Yakie, the Head of the Productivity Department in the ministry.
According to the police, the suspects allegedly stole several government-owned assets, including a 110 KVA Perkins generator, a forklift, lathe machines, electric filing machines and other equipment.
“The Bayelsa State Police Command has commenced an investigation into a case of criminal conspiracy and theft of government-owned equipment belonging to the Ministry of Labour, Empowerment and Productivity in Yenagoa, valued at about N500 million, following a petition submitted to the Commissioner of Police,” the statement read.
The police said the petitioner reported that on June 22, 2026, at about 10:30 a.m., he led a team comprising ministry officials and the Head of the Human Resources Management Department on an inspection of the ministry’s equipment store located within the premises of the Ministry of Transport in Yenagoa.
During the inspection, the team allegedly discovered that several valuable government assets, including the 110 KVA Perkins generator, a forklift, lathe machines, electric filing machines and other equipment, were missing from the store.
Following the petition, the Commissioner of Police directed the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to launch a discreet investigation, which led to the arrest of the three suspects.
The police identified the suspects as Wadi Igiran, 51, from Besine community in Yenagoa Local Government Area and a hairdressing instructor; Nikade Sunday, 59, from Agbere community in Sagbama Local Government Area and a ministry staff member; and Azabia Yakie, 59, from Okutukutu community in Yenagoa Local Government Area, who serves as the Head of the Productivity Department.
According to the statement, the suspects have confessed to the alleged crime during interrogation.
The police also disclosed that the stolen forklift had been recovered from a receiver and is currently in the custody of the SCID, while efforts are ongoing to recover the remaining items.
The command said the suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
It reaffirmed its commitment to protecting government property, combating economic and property-related crimes, and ensuring that anyone involved in criminal activities is brought to justice.
