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 ₦250 million from Taiwo’s employer to fund their gambling lifestyle.
The arrests were confirmed in a statement released on Saturday by the spokesperson for the PSFU, Ovie Ewhubare, who stated that the two suspects have been arraigned before the Federal High Court in Lagos on a five-count charge that includes conspiracy, theft, fraudulent conversion, embezzlement, and money laundering.
“In a significant development to an ongoing case of conspiracy, stealing, fraudulent conversion of funds, embezzlement, and money laundering to the tune of Two Hundred and Fifty Million Naira (N250,000,000), the PSFU has arraigned two suspects; Taiwo ‘M’ and Airat before the Federal High Court, Lagos,” Ewhubare announced.
The case originated from a petition filed by businessman Jimoh Atofolaki, who alleged that Taiwo, his apprentice assigned to the Osogbo branch of his company, diverted massive quantities of building materials—particularly cement—belonging to the company.
According to the investigation, Taiwo, in collusion with Airat, sold the materials and channeled the proceeds into gambling activities.
The Commissioner of Police, Special Fraud Unit, CP Okunade Nurat, used the case to issue a caution to business owners across the country. “We urge members of the public to be wary and always ensure that they carry out thorough background checks before employing individuals to take charge of their businesses,” she said.
This is not the first time the PSFU has handled such a case. In 2019, a similar incident involved a 20-year-old apprentice, Kosi Nnamani, who was charged at the Ikeja Magistrates’ Court for allegedly stealing goods valued at ₦1.94 million from his master.
The PSFU continues to investigate the full extent of the conspiracy, with further court proceedings expected in the coming weeks.
