Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Bayelsa State Police Command has arrested three civil servants in connection with the alleged theft of government equipment valued at approximately N500 million from the state Ministry of Labour, Empowerment and Productivity. The suspects, identified as staff members of the ministry, were taken into custody following a discreet investigation launched after a formal petition was submitted to the Commissioner of Police.
According to a statement issued on Saturday, July 18, 2026, by the command's spokesperson, DSP Musa Mohammed, the three suspects are Wadi Igiran, 51, from Besine community in Yenagoa Local Government Area, who works as a hairdressing instructor; Nikade Sunday, 59, from Agbere community in Sagbama Local Government Area; and Azabia Yakie, 59, from Okutukutu community in Yenagoa Local Government Area, who serves as the Head of the Productivity Department in the ministry.
The investigation was triggered by a routine inspection conducted on June 22, 2026, at about 10:30 a.m., when a team led by the petitioner, alongside ministry officials and the Head of Human Resources Management, carried out an official inspection of the ministry's equipment store. The store is located within the premises of the Ministry of Transport in Yenagoa. Upon opening the store, the team discovered that several valuable government assets were missing. The stolen items included a 110 KVA Perkins generator, a forklift, lathe machines, electric filling machines, and other equipment.
Following the receipt of the petition, the Commissioner of Police directed the State Criminal Investigation Department to conduct a discreet investigation. The probe led to the arrest of the three suspects, all of whom are staff members of the ministry. DSP Mohammed confirmed that the suspects have confessed to the crime. He also disclosed that the stolen forklift has been recovered from the receiver, who is currently in the custody of the SCID.
The police spokesperson reiterated the command's commitment to protecting government property and combating economic and property-related crimes. He assured that upon the conclusion of the investigation, the suspects would be charged to court. The command also used the opportunity to warn against the theft and vandalism of public assets, stressing that all those involved in criminal activities would be brought to justice.
The arrest of the three civil servants underscores the ongoing efforts by the Bayelsa State Police Command to safeguard public assets and ensure accountability within the state's civil service. The case has drawn attention to the need for stricter oversight and inventory management in government ministries to prevent the misappropriation of public property. As investigations continue, the public awaits the prosecution of the suspects, which is expected to serve as a deterrent to others who may contemplate similar acts of economic sabotage.
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