The Police Special Fraud Unit (PSFU) in Ikoyi, Lagos, has arrested an apprentice, Ezekiel Taiwo, and his alleged accomplice, Rahman Airat, for allegedly diverting building materials worth over N250 million from his employer.
Authorities say the stolen goods were sold to fund gambling activities.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Saturday by the unit’s spokesperson, Ovie Ewhubare.
According to the statement, the two suspects have been arraigned at the Federal High Court in Lagos on a five-count charge including conspiracy, stealing, fraudulent conversion, embezzlement, and money laundering.
The case began after Jimoh Atofolaki, Taiwo’s employer, filed a petition alleging that his apprentice, who was stationed at the company’s Osogbo branch, diverted large quantities of cement and other building materials valued at N250 million.
Ewhubare explained that investigations revealed Taiwo colluded with Airat to sell the stolen goods and used the proceeds for gambling.
Commissioner of Police, PSFU, Okunade Nurat, urged business owners to be cautious when hiring staff.
“We advise the public to always conduct thorough background checks before entrusting individuals with business responsibilities,” she said.
This incident follows a similar case in 2019, when a 20-year-old apprentice, Kosi Nnamani, was arrested and charged for stealing goods valued at N1.94 million from his employer.