Dispatch rider stages own kidnap after losing N1.3m to gambling in Edo
A dispatch rider employed by Dibecs Industry Limited in Okpella, Edo State, has allegedly staged his own abduction after losing the company’s N1.3 million to gambling. The rider, identified as
A dispatch rider employed by Dibecs Industry Limited in Okpella, Edo State, has allegedly staged his own abduction after losing the company’s N1.3 million to gambling.
The rider, identified as David Ekes, was said to have lost the money through a visual sports betting platform before travelling to Abuja, where he sold his mobile phone, checked into a hotel, and orchestrated the fake kidnapping to conceal the loss.
According to reports, Ekes later told police interrogators that three armed men had abducted him and taken the funds from his possession.
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His disappearance had earlier raised concern after his brother, Moses, reported at the Okpella Police Division that he had been missing since January 27.
The spokesperson for the Edo State Police Command, Eno Ikoedem, said investigations revealed that Ekes left his quarters alone on a black, unregistered motorcycle from Factory 2 to Factory 3, in violation of company policy, and was not seen afterwards.
She added that the motorcycle was later discovered parked along the road leading to Factory 3. Police operatives subsequently combed the surrounding bush area, documented relevant findings, and commenced investigations.
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The command said further inquiries led to the discovery that the alleged kidnapping was staged after the rider lost the company’s money to gambling activities.
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According to her, "However, in a turn of events, 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 his statement alleging that he was kidnapped by three unidentified men, 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barefoot through the forest for over three days, during which his Tecno Camon mobile phone was taken and funds were withdrawn from his First Bank account.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 visual sports betting platform, he then immediately 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."
