Three public servants in custody for $500 million equipment theft (see names)

The Bayelsa State Police Command has arrested three public servants for allegedly stealing government equipment worth about $500 million.

The command’s spokesperson, Musa Mohammed, made this known in a statement made available to journalists in Bayelsa on Saturday.

Mohammed said the suspects allegedly conspired to steal several government-owned assets from the Ministry of Labour, Empowerment and Productivity in Bayelsa.

The stolen items allegedly included a 110 KVA Perkins generator, forklift, lathes, electric fillers and other equipment.

He said the investigation followed a petition submitted to the police commissioner after officials discovered missing goods during an inspection.

“On June 22, at approximately 10.30am, the petitioner led a team comprising ministerial staff and the head of human resources management for an inspection,” it said.

Mohammed said the inspection was conducted at the Ministry’s equipment shop within the premises of the Ministry of Transport, Yenagoa.

“Upon opening the store, several valuable government items were discovered missing, including a 110 KVA Perkins generator, a forklift and a lathe,” he said.

He said the police commissioner subsequently ordered the state Criminal Investigation Department to launch a discreet investigation.

The investigation, he said, led to the arrest of three suspects identified as Wadi Igiran, 51; Sunday Nikade, 59; and Azabia Yakie, 59.

Mohammed said Igiran is from Besine community in Yenagoa Local Government Area, while Sunday is from Agbere, Sagbama LGA.

He added that Yakie hails from Okutukutu community in Yenagoa Local Government Area.

According to him, all three suspects are ministry staff and have confessed to the alleged crime.

“The forklift was recovered from the receiver, who is also in the custody of the SCID,” Mohammed said.

He said the suspects will be sent back to court after the conclusion of the investigation.

Mohammed reiterated the command’s commitment to protecting public assets and fighting economic and property crimes.

“The command is committed to ensuring that all those involved in criminal activity are brought to justice,” he said.