By Tonye Apiri
Operatives of the Bayelsa State Police Command have taken three employees of the State Ministry of Labour, Empowerment and Productivity into custody over the alleged theft of government equipment valued at more than N500 million.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Musa Mohammed, announced the development in a statement issued on Saturday in Yenagoa.
He named the suspects as Wadi Igiran, 51, from Besine community in Yenagoa LGA, who works as a hairdressing instructor; Nikade Sunday, 59, from Agbere community in Sagbama LGA, also a staff member; and Azabia Yakie, 59, from Okutukutu community in Yenagoa LGA, who heads the Productivity Department in the ministry.
According to DSP Mohammed, items allegedly stolen include a 110 KVA Perkins generator, a forklift, lathe machines, electric filling machines and other assets belonging to the ministry.
He said, “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.
“According to the petitioner, on 22nd June 2026 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 the 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.” he said.
In a separate development, police have also confirmed the arrest of two individuals suspected of vandalising the Angiama-Oporoma bridge, which was commissioned by President Bola Tinubu a few months ago.
DSP Mohammed explained that the arrests followed actionable intelligence, leading to a coordinated operation by detectives from the State CID.
He said, “Consequently, on 3rd July 2026 one of the suspects named; Daniel Tarila ‘m’ 26 years old, of Angiama community in Southern Ijaw LGA, was arrested in Agiama community while in possession of two iron plates suspected to have been removed from the bridge. Meanwhile, the suspect has been remanded in Okaka Correctional center.
“Furthermore, on 14th July 2026, at about 1700 hours, acting on credible intelligence, the second suspect named; Peres Daniel ‘m’ 31 years old, of Angiama community, who had earlier evaded arrest was arrested at Obele street, Yenagoa. Investigation is ongoing and the suspect will be charged to court at the conclusion of the investigation.” he said.