Gambling loss: Edo worker stages fake abduction to cover ₦1.3m deficit

By Jethro Ibileke

A 21-year-old company worker, David Ekes, has been arrested by operatives of the Edo State Police Command for allegedly staging his own kidnap.

The suspect, who worked as a dispatch officer with Dibecs Industry Limited, located at Km 162, Auchi–Okene Expressway, Okpella, was reported missing at the Okpella Police Division on January 30, 2026, by his uncle, Moses Ekes, who also works with the company.

A statement by the State Command’s spokesperson, ASP Eno Ikoedem, disclosed that the suspect staged his own abduction after allegedly spending company funds amounting to ₦1,308,000.00 on online gambling via a virtual sports betting platform.

The statement reads:

“On 30/01/2026 at about 1600hrs, one Moses Ekes ‘M’, of Dibecs Industry Limited, reported at the Okpella Police Division that his nephew, David Ekes ‘M’, aged 21 years, a dispatch officer with the company, dark in complexion, about 5ft tall, and fluent in Ijaw and English languages, had been missing since 27/01/2026 at about 2030hrs.

“According to the report, the said David Ekes left his quarters alone on a black, unregistered motorcycle from Factory 2 to Factory 3, contrary to company policy, and was not seen or heard from thereafter. The motorcycle was later discovered parked along the road leading to Factory 3 and subsequently recovered to the company’s main office.

“Following the report, operatives of the Okpella Police Division promptly visited the scene, conducted a thorough search of the surrounding bush area, and documented relevant findings, while investigations commenced immediately.

“However, in a turn of events, on 31/01/2026 at about 0800hrs, information was received that the missing person had returned on his own and was reportedly weak. He was taken to a hospital in Okpella, where police operatives visited and monitored his condition.

“Upon his discharge, the suspect initially volunteered a statement alleging that he was kidnapped by three unidentified men and forced to trek barefoot through the forest for over three days, during which his Tecno Camon mobile phone was taken and funds were withdrawn from his First Bank account.

“Discrete investigation, however, revealed that between 25/01/2026 and 26/01/2026, the suspect lost a total sum of ₦1,308,000.00, belonging to his company and a customer, through online gambling on a virtual sports betting platform. He then travelled to Abuja, sold his mobile phone, lodged in a hotel, and deliberately staged his own kidnapping to cover up the financial loss. The suspect has since confessed to the crime and will be arraigned in court to serve as a deterrent to others.”

Meanwhile, the State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, has again warned members of the public against false distress reports and acts of criminal deception.

Agbonika, who noted that such actions undermine public confidence and waste critical security resources, advised youths involved in gambling to do so responsibly, warning that addiction often leads to desperation and criminal behaviour.