Operatives of the Edo State Police Command have arrested a 21-year-old dispatch rider, David Ekes, for allegedly staging his own kidnapping in the Okpella area of the state.
The suspect, 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 command’s spokesperson, ASP Eno Ikoedem, disclosed that investigations revealed the suspect staged the abduction after allegedly diverting company funds amounting to ₦1,308,000 for online gambling on a virtual sports betting platform.
According to the statement, “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barefoot through the forest for over three days, during which his Tecno Camon mobile phone was taken and funds were withdrawn from his First Bank account.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.”
Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, CP Monday Agbonika, warned the public against false distress reports, noting that such actions undermine public confidence and waste critical security resources.
He further advised youths involved in gambling to do so responsibly, highlighting that addiction can lead to desperation and criminal behavior.
