The Edo State Police Command has uncovered a staged kidnapping and arrested a 21-year-old dispatch officer of Dibecs Industry Limited, Okpella, over the fraudulent loss of ₦1.3 million through online gambling.
The incident followed a report lodged on January 30, 2026, at about 4:00pm by Mr. Moses Ekes, who informed the Okpella Police Division that his nephew, David Ekes, an employee of Dibecs Industry Limited located along the Auchi–Okene Expressway, had been missing since January 27, 2026.
According to the report, the missing dispatch officer left his quarters at about 8:30pm on an unregistered motorcycle, travelling from Factory 2 to Factory 3, contrary to company regulations, and was not seen thereafter. The motorcycle was later found abandoned along the route and recovered to the company’s premises.
Following the complaint, Police operatives immediately visited the scene, combed the surrounding bush paths, documented relevant findings, and launched a full investigation into the alleged disappearance.
In a dramatic twist, the supposed victim resurfaced on January 31, 2026, at about 8:00am, claiming to be weak. He was taken to a hospital in Okpella, where Police operatives monitored his condition.
Upon recovery, the suspect alleged that he was kidnapped by three unknown men, forced to trek barefoot through the forest for several days, and dispossessed of his mobile phone, while funds were withdrawn from his bank account.
However, discreet investigations revealed that between January 25 and 26, 2026, the suspect had lost a total sum of ₦1,308,000—belonging to his employer and a customer—through online gambling on a virtual sports betting platform.
Investigations further showed that he travelled to Abuja shortly after the loss, sold his mobile phone, lodged in a hotel, and deliberately staged his own kidnapping to conceal the financial fraud.
The suspect has since confessed to the crime and will be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of investigations.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, CP Monday Agbonika, fdc, warned the public against false distress reports and criminal deception, noting that such acts waste valuable security resources and erode public trust.
He also cautioned youths against gambling addiction, stressing that it often leads to desperation, financial ruin, and criminal conduct.