The Edo State Police Command has uncovered a staged kidnapping involving a 21-year-old dispatch officer of Dibecs Industry Limited, Okpella, who allegedly faked his abduction to cover up the loss of over N1.3 million through online gambling.
The suspect, David Ekes, was reported missing on January 30, 2026, by his uncle, Moses Ekes, at the Okpella Police Division. According to the report, David, a dispatch officer with the company located along the Auchi- Okene Expressway, had left his residence on January 27 at about 8:30 p.m on a black, unregistered motorcycle, heading from Factory 2 to Factory 3, in violation of company policy, and was not seen thereafter.
Police investigations revealed that the motorcycle was later found abandoned along the road leading to Factory 3 and recovered to the company’s main office, prompting a search of the surrounding bush and the commencement of a full investigation by operatives of the Okpella Police Division.
In a twist, the police said information was received the following day, January 31, at about 8:00 a.m., that the missing dispatch officer had returned on his own and was in a weakened condition. He was taken to a hospital in Okpella, where police operatives visited and monitored his situation.
After his discharge, the suspect initially claimed he was kidnapped by three unidentified men who allegedly forced him to trek barefoot through the forest for over three days. He also alleged that his mobile phone was taken and money withdrawn from his First Bank account.
However, discrete investigations by the police uncovered that between January 25 and 26, 2026, the suspect lost a total sum of N1,308,000 belonging to his company and a customer through online gambling on a visual sporty betting platform.
Police said he subsequently travelled to Abuja, sold his mobile phone, lodged in a hotel and deliberately staged the kidnapping to conceal the financial loss.
The suspect has since confessed to the crime and is expected to be arraigned in court.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, CP Monday Agbonika, warned members of the public against false distress reports and criminal deception, noting that such acts undermine public trust and waste critical security resources.
He also cautioned youths involved in gambling to do so responsibly, warning that addiction often leads to desperation and criminal behaviour.
The police assured the public of their commitment to uncovering crimes and ensuring offenders are brought to justice.
