The Bayelsa State Police Command has arrested three staff members of the Ministry of Labour, Empowerment and Productivity over the alleged theft of government equipment valued at more than N500 million.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Musa Mohammed, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday in Yenagoa.
The suspects were identified as Wadi Igiran, 51, a hairdressing instructor from Besine community in Yenagoa Local Government Area; Nikade Sunday, 59, from Agbere community in Sagbama LGA; and Azabia Yakie, 59, from Okutukutu community in Yenagoa LGA, who is the Head of the Productivity Department in the ministry.
According to the police, the stolen items include a 110 KVA Perkins generator, a forklift, lathe machines, electric filling machines and other government equipment.
“The Bayelsa State Police Command has commenced an investigation into a case of criminal conspiracy and stealing of government-owned equipment at the Ministry of Labour, Empowerment and Productivity in Yenagoa, valued at about N500,000,000, following a petition reported to the Commissioner of Police, Bayelsa State,” the statement read.
The petition stated that on June 22, 2026, at about 10:30 a.m., a team comprising ministry staff and the Head of the Human Resources Management Department visited the ministry’s equipment store located within the premises of the Ministry of Transport, Yenagoa, for an official inspection.
During the inspection, officials reportedly discovered that several valuable government assets kept in the store were missing.
Mohammed said the Commissioner of Police subsequently directed the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to conduct a discreet investigation, which led to the arrest of the three suspects.
He added that the suspects allegedly confessed to the crime during interrogation.
The police also confirmed that the stolen forklift had been recovered from a receiver and was currently in the custody of the SCID.
According to the command, the suspects will be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The police reiterated their commitment to protecting government property, combating economic and property-related crimes, and ensuring that those involved in criminal activities are brought to justice.
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