The Bayelsa State Police Command has arrested three staff members of the State Ministry of Labour, Empowerment and Productivity for allegedly stealing ministry equipment valued at over N500,000,000. The spokesperson for the command, DSP Musa Mohammed, disclosed this in a statement on Friday, July 17, 2026.
Suspects Identified
Mohammed identified the three arrested staff as Wadi Igiran, Nikade Sunday, and Azabia Yakie, the Head of Productivity Department in the ministry. According to the police, the suspects stole several valuable government assets, including a 110 KVA Perkins generator, a forklift, lathe machines, electric filling machines, and other equipment.
Investigation Initiated
“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,” the statement read.
“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.”
Arrests and Recovery
Upon receipt of the petition, the Commissioner of Police directed the State Criminal Investigation Department to commence a discreet investigation, which led to the arrest of three suspects: Wadi Igiran, a 51-year-old female hair dressing instructor from Besine community, Yenagoa LGA; Nikade Sunday, a 59-year-old male staff from Agbere community, Sagbama LGA; and Azabia Yakie, a 59-year-old male and Head of Productivity Department from Okutukutu community, Yenagoa LGA. All are 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.”
Police Commitment
“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,” the statement concluded.
