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Dispatch Officer Arrested in Edo State for Fabricating Kidnapping to Conceal Gambling Losses
The Edo State Police Command has apprehended a 21-year-old dispatch officer, David Ekes, after he orchestrated a fake kidnapping to hide the loss of ₦1.3 million belonging to his employer and a client. The funds were lost through online gambling on a visual sports betting platform.
Details of the Incident and Investigation
According to ASP Eno Ikoedem, the police spokesperson, Ekes traveled to Abuja following the gambling losses. To mask the financial setback, he sold his mobile phone, checked into a hotel, and staged his own abduction. His family initially reported him missing on January 27, 2026, after he failed to return home. His motorcycle was later found abandoned along a road near his workplace.
During the ongoing investigation, Ekes unexpectedly returned, claiming he had been kidnapped by three unknown assailants. He alleged that he was forced to walk barefoot through dense forest for over three days, during which his phone was confiscated and unauthorized withdrawals were made from his First Bank account.
Police Findings and Confession
The Edo State Police Command confirmed that the kidnapping was staged. Moses Ekes, David’s uncle and a representative of Dibecs Industry Limited located along the Auchi–Okene Expressway, reported the disappearance. David had left his quarters on an unregistered black motorcycle, violating company policy, and was not seen afterward. The motorcycle was recovered near Factory 3 and returned to the company.
Police officers conducted a thorough search of the surrounding bushland and began investigations immediately. On January 31, 2026, David was found and taken to a hospital in Okpella for medical attention. After his discharge, he initially maintained the kidnapping story.
However, further discreet inquiries revealed that between January 25 and 26, 2026, David lost ₦1,308,000 through online gambling. To conceal this, he traveled to Abuja, sold his phone, stayed in a hotel, and fabricated the kidnapping narrative. He has since admitted to the deception and will face prosecution.
Official Warnings and Advice
Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, cautioned the public against submitting false distress reports, emphasizing that such acts erode public trust and divert vital security resources. He also urged young people to engage in gambling responsibly, highlighting that addiction can lead to reckless behavior and criminal acts.
Context and Broader Implications
Online gambling continues to rise in Nigeria, with recent studies indicating a 15% increase in participation among youths in 2025. Experts warn that without proper regulation and awareness, gambling addiction can result in financial ruin and social problems. This case underscores the need for increased education on responsible betting and the dangers of fraudulent activities.
