Three Bayelsa Workers Arrested for Stealing N500 Million in Government Equipment

The Bayelsa State Police have arrested three workers from the state Ministry of Labour, Empowerment and Productivity. They are accused of stealing government equipment worth about N500 million.

The suspects are said to have worked together to steal many government items. This includes a 110 KVA Perkins generator, a forklift, lathe machines, electric filling machines, and other tools stored in the ministry's warehouse.

DSP Musa Mohammed, the police spokesperson, shared the news of the arrests in a statement on Saturday in Yenagoa.

Mohammed explained that the investigation started after a petition was given to the Commissioner of Police. Officials from the ministry found some valuable items missing during an inspection of the equipment store.

He said, "On June 22, 2026, at about 10:30 a.m., the petitioner led a team of ministry staff and the Head of the Department of Human Resources Management to inspect the ministry's equipment store. This store is inside the Ministry of Transport in Yenagoa. When they opened the store, they found out that several valuable government assets, including a 110 KVA Perkins generator, a forklift, lathe machines, electric filling machines, and other equipment, were missing."

"After receiving the petition, the Commissioner of Police ordered the State Criminal Investigation Department to start a secret investigation that led to the arrest of three suspects."

He named the suspects as "Wadi Igiran, 51, from Besine community in Yenagoa Local Government Area; Nikade Sunday, 59, from Agbere community in Sagbama Local Government Area; and Azabia Yakie, 59, from Okutukutu community in Yenagoa Local Government Area."

Mohammed also said, "All the suspects, who are workers in the ministry, have confessed to the crime. The forklift has been found from the person who received it and is now with the State Criminal Investigation Department. Once the investigation is done, the suspects will face charges in court."

He emphasized the police's dedication to protecting public property. He said, "The command is committed to safeguarding government assets, fighting economic crimes, and making sure that everyone involved in criminal activities is brought to justice."