Police arrest suspect over alleged N1bn fuel theft

Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested a 38-year-old suspect, Chibuzor Mogbo, over the alleged diversion and theft of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, valued at more than N1 billion. The suspect was arrested in Delta State after allegedly fleeing Lagos following the discovery of the theft. The Lagos State […]

Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested a 38-year-old suspect, Chibuzor Mogbo, over the alleged diversion and theft of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, valued at more than N1 billion.

The suspect was arrested in Delta State after allegedly fleeing Lagos following the discovery of the theft.

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Fatai, who confirmed the development on Tuesday, said the case began after MEA Energy reported the alleged diversion and stealing of PMS worth over N1.028 billion from its facility.

According to the police, detectives tracked the suspect for 12 days using intelligence reports, technical support and financial tracking before locating him in his Delta hideout.

It was further learnt that the suspect allegedly confessed during interrogation and later led detectives to properties and cash worth over N300 million believed to have been acquired from the proceeds of the alleged crime.

The police commissioner said the recovery revealed the scale of the operation and the speed at which the proceeds were allegedly moved after the product was diverted.

He added that a second suspect, identified as Jessica Anyincha, is currently at large, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend her.

Fatai noted that the case highlights the growing sophistication of economic crimes involving petroleum products.

He said investigations were ongoing.