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The Lagos State Police Command has arrested one of the principal suspects linked to the alleged theft and diversion of Premium Motor Spirit valued at over ₦1.02 billion. The arrest followed a complaint filed by MEA Energy, which accused two suspects of conspiring to illegally divert large quantities of petrol intended for legitimate distribution. 
Speaking at the command headquarters in Ikeja on Tuesday, Lagos State Commissioner of Police Fatai Tijani disclosed that investigators launched an intensive operation involving surveillance, technical intelligence gathering, and interstate tracking after receiving the petition. According to him, the suspect, aged 38, fled Lagos and attempted to hide in Delta State before police operatives successfully tracked and arrested him after nearly two weeks of investigation. 
Police authorities said the suspect later confessed to participating in the large-scale petrol theft during interrogation. Investigators also recovered cash, property, and other assets estimated at over ₦300 million, believed to be proceeds from the illegal diversion of petroleum products. The command added that efforts are ongoing to apprehend a second suspect still at large, while the arrested suspect is expected to face prosecution after investigations are concluded. 
The development highlights continuing concerns over organised fuel theft and petroleum diversion syndicates operating across Nigeria, especially in Lagos and other commercial centres where fuel transportation networks are heavily concentrated. Security agencies have intensified crackdowns on oil theft operations in recent months due to their impact on fuel supply chains, economic losses, and rising criminal activity connected to the downstream petroleum sector. Analysts say the latest arrest reflects growing cooperation between private energy companies and law enforcement agencies in tracking financial crimes linked to petroleum distribution. 
