- Police Nab Edo Man Who Faked Abduction to Cover Gambling Loss
- Ekes reappeared on January 31, claiming he had been abducted by three men and forced to trek barefoot through the forest for three days
- ASP Ikoedem confirmed that the suspect has confessed and will be arraigned in court
The Edo State Police Command has arrested a 21-year-old dispatch rider, David Ekes, for allegedly losing N1.3 million belonging to his company and customers through online gambling and subsequently staging his own kidnapping.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the Public Relations Officer of the Command, ASP Eno Ikoedem, disclosed the details in a statement on Monday in Benin City. Ekes, a staff member of Dibecs Industry Limited in Okpella, Etsako East Local Government Area, had initially been reported missing by his uncle on January 30, 2026.
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According to police, Ekes had left his quarters on an unregistered motorcycle on January 27, in violation of company policy, and did not return. The motorcycle was later found parked near the company’s office. Following the missing person report, police operatives conducted extensive searches in the surrounding areas.
Ekes reappeared on January 31, claiming he had been abducted by three men and forced to trek barefoot through the forest for three days, during which his mobile phone was allegedly taken and funds withdrawn from his bank account.
However, further investigations revealed that Ekes had actually lost ₦1,308,000 to an online sports betting platform between January 25 and 26. He then traveled to Abuja, sold his phone, checked into a hotel, and fabricated the kidnapping story to conceal the financial loss.
ASP Ikoedem confirmed that the suspect has confessed and will be arraigned in court.
Commissioner of Police Monday Agbonika warned the public against false distress reports, highlighting that such acts waste security resources and undermine public trust. He also advised youths to engage in gambling responsibly, cautioning that addiction can lead to desperation and criminal behaviour.
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