The Edo State Police Command has uncovered a staged kidnapping involving an employee of Dibecs Industry Limited, Okpella, following a report of a missing person.
According to a statement by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, 21-year-old David Ekes, a dispatch officer with the company, was reported missing on January 30, 2026.
Ekes was said to have left his quarters on a black, unregistered motorcycle on January 27, contrary to company policy, and did not return. The motorcycle was later recovered by the company.
Police operatives conducted a search of the surrounding bush area and commenced an investigation. The following day, Ekes returned on his own and was taken to a hospital in Okpella for medical attention.
Upon his discharge, Ekes initially claimed he had been kidnapped by three men, forced to trek barefoot through the forest, during which his mobile phone was taken and funds withdrawn from his bank account.
However, police investigations revealed that between January 25 and 26, Ekes lost ₦1,308,000 belonging to his company and a customer to online gambling on a visual sports betting platform.
He reportedly travelled to Abuja, sold his mobile phone, lodged in a hotel, and staged the kidnapping to cover up the loss. Ekes has since confessed and will be arraigned in court.
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Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, warned the public against false distress reports, noting that such acts “undermine public confidence and waste critical security resources.”
He also urged youths to gamble responsibly to avoid desperation and criminal tendencies.
The Edo State Police Command further disclosed the arrest of three suspected kidnappers linked to the abduction of Dr. Abu Babatunde and the killing of his brother.
Investigations are ongoing to dismantle the organised criminal network responsible for kidnappings in Auchi and its environs.