Dispatch rider arrested for allegedly gambling with company, customers’ N1.3m

The Edo State Police Command has arrested a 21-year-old dispatch rider for allegedly spending the company’s and customers’ N1.3 million on online gambling.

THE PRIME NEWS reports that the suspect also staged his own kidnapping.

ASP Eno Ikoedem, the Public Relations Officer of the Command, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists on Monday in Benin City.

Ikoedem gave the name of the suspect as David Ekes, a staff of Dibecs Industry Limited, Okpella, in Etsako East Local Government Area.

“The Edo State Police Command has uncovered a staged kidnapping following a report of a missing person involving an employee of Dibecs Industry Limited, located at Km 162, Auchi–Okene Expressway, Okpella.

“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.

“It was reported that 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 the investigation 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 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barefoot through the forest for over three days, during which his Tecno Camon mobile phone was taken and funds were withdrawn from his First Bank account.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, has revealed that between 25/01/2026 and 26/01/2026, the suspect lost a total sum of ₦1,308,000.00million, belonging to his company and a customer, through online gambling on a visual sporty 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 statement said.

Ikoedem said the suspect has since confessed to the crime and would be arraigned in court to serve as a deterrent to others.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Command, Monday Agbonika warned members of the public against false distress reports and acts of criminal deception.

Agbonika noted that such actions undermine public confidence and waste critical security resources.

He also advised youths involved in gambling to do so responsibly, as addiction often leads to desperation and criminal tendencies.