Police nab apprentice, accomplice over N250m building materials theft in Lagos

The Police Special Fraud Unit (PSFU) in Ikoyi, Lagos, has apprehended an apprentice and his accomplice for allegedly stealing cement and other building materials worth over N250 million from his employer. The stolen goods were reportedly used to fund gambling activities.

The suspects, Ezekiel Taiwo and Rahman Airat, have been arraigned before the Federal High Court in Lagos on charges of conspiracy, stealing, fraudulent conversion, embezzlement, and money laundering.

The arrest follows a petition by Jimoh Atofolaki, who reported that Taiwo, an apprentice stationed at the Osogbo branch of his company, diverted company property, including bags of cement and other materials, amounting to N250 million.

PSFU spokesman Ovie Ewhubare revealed that the investigation uncovered Taiwo’s collaboration with Airat to convert the stolen materials, using the proceeds for gambling.

The Commissioner of Police, PSFU, Okunade Nurat, has advised business owners to exercise caution when hiring staff, urging them to conduct thorough background checks.

This incident follows a similar case in 2019, where 20-year-old apprentice Kosi Nnamani was arrested and arraigned for allegedly stealing goods valued at N1.94 million from his employer.