Police arrest suspect in N1.02bn PMS theft, recover N300m in assets in Lagos

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a key suspect linked to an alleged theft of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) worth N1.02 billion and recovered assets exceeding N300 million related to the crime.

Commissioner of Police Fatai Tijani made the announcement on Tuesday while briefing journalists at the command headquarters in Ikeja.

Tijani said the arrest followed a petition from MEA Energy alleging a conspiracy and theft involving petroleum products valued at N1.02 billion, supposedly carried out by two suspects.

He explained that 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 a discreet investigation supported by technical intelligence gathering and surveillance operations,” Tijani said.

“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,” Tijani added.

The police commissioner further revealed that the suspect confessed to participating in the alleged crime during interrogation.

He added that the suspect later helped investigators recover cash and properties valued at over N300 million, believed to be proceeds from the unlawful diversion of petroleum products.

Tijani said efforts are ongoing to apprehend the second suspect, who remains at large.

He added that the arrested suspect will be charged in court after the conclusion of investigations.