Police arrest three Bayelsa ministry staff over alleged N500m equipment theft

The Nigeria Police have arrested three staff members of the Bayelsa State Ministry of Labour, Empowerment and Productivity for allegedly stealing ministry equipment worth more than N500 million.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Musa Mohammed, disclosed in a statement on Saturday in Yenagoa that the arrested staff members were Wadi Igiran, 51, from Besine community, Yenagoa Local Government Area, a hairdressing instructor; Nikade Sunday, 59, from Agbere community, Sagbama LGA, a staff member; and Azabia Yakie, 59, from Okutukutu community, Yenagoa LGA, 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) following a petition reported to the Commissioner of Police Bayelsa State,” the statement said.

According to the petition, on June 22, 2026, at about 10:30 am, a team comprising staff members of the ministry and the Head of the Human Resources Management Department on an official inspection of the ministry’s equipment store located within the premises of the Ministry of Transport, Yenagoa, inspected 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.

The statement said that upon receipt of the petition, the Commissioner of Police directed the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to commence a discreet investigation, which led to the arrest of the three suspects.

It added that the suspects, all staff members of the ministry, had confessed to the crime, while the forklift had been recovered from the receiver and was in the custody of the SCID.

The police said that upon conclusion of the investigation, the suspects would be charged in court.

The command reiterated its commitment to protecting government property, combating economic and property-related crimes, and ensuring that all those involved in criminal activities were brought to justice.