The Lagos State Police Command has arrested one of the main suspects linked to the alleged theft of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) worth over N1 billion.
The suspect was apprehended after a major investigation into the disappearance of petroleum products valued at about N1.02 billion.
Speaking to journalists on Tuesday at the police headquarters in Ikeja, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Tijani, revealed that the case began after a petition was submitted by MEA Energy over an alleged conspiracy and large-scale theft involving two suspects.
According to the police boss, operatives immediately launched a discreet investigation backed by intelligence gathering, surveillance, and tracking operations.
After nearly two weeks of investigation, the suspect, said to be 38 years old, was eventually arrested in Delta State while allegedly trying to evade arrest.
“After 12 days of intensive tracking and follow-up operations, one of the principal suspects was apprehended in Delta,” the commissioner stated.
He explained that the arrest was made possible through coordinated inter-state policing efforts by detectives attached to the command.
During interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to participating in the crime.
The police also disclosed that the suspect later assisted investigators in recovering cash and properties worth over N300 million believed to be proceeds from the illegal diversion of petroleum products.
Authorities say efforts are currently ongoing to track down and arrest the second suspect who remains on the run.
The commissioner added that the suspect already in custody would be charged to court once investigations are completed.
The development has sparked reactions online as Nigerians continue to raise concerns about corruption and illegal activities within the petroleum sector.
Source: Lagos State Police Command / NAN.
