The Lagos State Police Command has arrested one of the main suspects linked to the alleged theft of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) worth N1.02 billion.
Police also recovered assets valued at more than N300 million believed to be connected to the crime.
The Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Fatai Tijani, disclosed this while speaking to journalists at the command headquarters in Ikeja.
According to him, the case began after MEA Energy submitted a petition alleging conspiracy and theft involving petroleum products worth over N1 billion carried out by two suspects.
Following the complaint, police launched a discreet investigation involving intelligence gathering, surveillance, and technical tracking operations.
Tijani said the suspect, aged 38, was arrested in Delta State after allegedly fleeing Lagos to avoid arrest.
He said, “Upon receipt of the complaint, operatives of the command commenced discreet investigation supported by technical intelligence gathering and surveillance operations.
“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.”
The police commissioner added that the suspect confessed to taking part in the alleged theft during interrogation.
According to him, the suspect later helped investigators recover cash and properties worth over N300 million, believed to be proceeds from the illegal diversion of petroleum products.
Police said efforts are still ongoing to arrest the second suspect, who remains on the run.
The arrested suspect is expected to be charged to court after investigations are completed.
