The police command in Lagos State says it has arrested one of the principal suspects in a N1.02 billion premium motor spirit (PMS) theft and recovered over N300 million in assets linked to the crime.

The commissioner of police, Fatai Tijani, disclosed this on Tuesday while addressing journalists at the command headquarters in Ikeja.

Mr Tijani said the arrest followed a petition by MEA Energy over an alleged case of conspiracy and stealing involving PMS valued at N1.02 billion allegedly perpetrated by two suspects.

“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,” he said.

The commissioner further disclosed that during interrogation, the suspect confessed to his involvement in the crime.

He added that the suspect subsequently led investigators to the recovery of cash and property valued at over N300 million, which was the proceeds of the illegal diversion of petroleum products.

According to the commissioner, efforts are ongoing to arrest the second suspect who is at large.

The police boss said that the suspect would be charged in court upon conclusion of investigations. 

(NAN)