Monday, July 20, 2026 -The Bayelsa State Police Command has arrested three staff members of the State Ministry of Labour, Empowerment and Productivity, for stealing the ministry's equipment worth over N500,000,000.
The spokesperson for the command, DSP Musa Mohammed
disclosed this in a statement on Friday, July 17, 2026.
He identified the three arrested staff as Wadi Igiran,
Nikade Sunday, and Azabia Yakie, the Head of Productivity Department in the
ministry.
He said several valuable government assets, including a 110
KVA Perkins generator, a forklift, lathe machines, electric filling machines,
and other equipment were stolen by the suspects.
"The Bayelsa State Police Command has commenced an
investigation into a case of criminal conspiracy and stealing of government
owned equipment at Ministry of Labour Empowerment and Productivity in Yenagoa,
valued about (N500,000,000.00) following a petition reported to the
Commissioner of Police Bayelsa State,” the statement read.
"According to the petitioner, on 22nd June who2026 at
about 1030 hours, he 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, to inspect government equipment under the custody of the
department.
"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 State Criminal Investigation Department to commence a discreet
investigation that led to the arrest of three (3) suspects, namely; Wadi Igiran
‘f’ 51 years old, Besine community, Yenagoa LGA, and a hair dressing
instructor; Nikade Sunday ‘m’ 59 years old, Agbere community, Sagbama LGA, and
a staff; Azabia Yakie ‘m’ 59 years old, Okutukutu community, Yenagoa LGA, Head
of Productivity Department, all staff of the Ministry and have confessed to the
crime.
"The forklift has been recovered from the receiver, and
it is in custody at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID). Upon
conclusion of investigation, suspects will be charged to court.
“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.”
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