Bayelsa: Ministry Staff Arrested Over Alleged Theft of Equipment Worth N500m

Police operatives in Bayelsa State have arrested three staff members of the State Ministry of Labour, Empowerment and Productivity for stealing the ministry’s equipment worth over N500,000,000. Police Public Relations Officer in the State, DSP Musa Mohammed, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday in Yenagoa. He identified the three arrested staff as Wadi Igiran, […]

Police operatives in Bayelsa State have arrested three staff members of the State Ministry of Labour, Empowerment and Productivity for stealing the ministry’s equipment worth over N500,000,000.

Police Public Relations Officer in the State, DSP Musa Mohammed, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday in Yenagoa.

He identified the three arrested staff as Wadi Igiran, 51, from Besine community, Yenagoa LGA and a hair dressing instructor; Nikade Sunday, 59, from Agbere community, Sagbama LGA, and a staff; 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.

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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 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.

Meanwhile, police have confirmed the arrest of two suspects for vandalising the Angiama Oporoma bridge commissioned by President Bola Tinubu, few months ago.

DSP Musa Mohammed said the arrest followed an intelligence report, before operatives of the state Criminal Investigation Department launched a coordinated operation that led to the successful arrest of two suspects for the vandalism of the newly commissioned Angiama Oporoma bridge.

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, suspect has been remanded in Okaka Correctional center.

“Furthermore, on 14th July, 2026, at about 1700 hours, acting on a 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 on the conclusion of the investigation.” he said.