The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a major suspect linked to the alleged theft of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) valued at N1.02 billion. Assets worth more than N300 million connected to the crime have also been recovered.
Commissioner Reveals Details
The Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Fatai Tijani, disclosed this while addressing journalists at the command headquarters in Ikeja on Tuesday, May 26. Tijani explained that the arrest followed a petition submitted by a company regarding an alleged case of conspiracy and theft involving petroleum products worth N1.02 billion, reportedly carried out by two suspects.
Investigation and Arrest
According to the commissioner, the command immediately launched a discreet investigation backed by intelligence gathering, surveillance, and technical operations after receiving the complaint. “Upon receipt of the complaint, operatives of the command commenced discreet investigation supported by technical intelligence gathering and surveillance operations,” Tijani said.
He added: “After 12 days of intensive tracking and follow-up operations, one of the principal suspects, aged 38, was apprehended in Delta, where he had fled in an attempt to evade justice. The suspect was successfully tracked and apprehended through coordinated interstate policing efforts by operatives of the command.”
Confession and Recovery
The police commissioner further revealed that the suspect confessed to participating in the alleged crime during interrogation. He noted that the suspect later assisted investigators in recovering cash and properties valued at over N300 million, believed to be proceeds from the unlawful diversion of petroleum products.
Ongoing Efforts
Tijani stated that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the second suspect, who remains at large. He added that the arrested suspect will be charged to court after the conclusion of investigations.
