A dispatch rider has been arrested for allegedly absconding with medical equipment valued at ₦34,400,000, following a successful police investigation led by the Zone 2 Command of the Nigeria Police Force.
According to a statement issued on May 20, 2025, by CSP Ayuba T. Umma, the Zonal Police Public Relations Officer, the case originated from a complaint filed by Dr. Ajefolakemi John, a medical doctor based in Iloromu Quarters, Ile-Ife, Osun State.
The doctor reported that on April 15, 2025, he had engaged a dispatch rider, identified as Matthew Owochotie Adoche, to transport medical equipment from Ikotun and Ikeja in Lagos to Idumota for further delivery to a client in Zamfara State.
However, the rider allegedly diverted the goods and became unreachable. Multiple attempts to contact him failed as his phone lines were switched off.
In response to the complaint, the Assistant Inspector General of Police for Zone 2, Lagos, ordered a discreet investigation led by the Zonal Anti-Crime Unit.
Acting swiftly, the investigation team traced the suspect to Adoka Community in Benue State.
The suspect was eventually apprehended in a hideout at Ugbokpo Community. Upon his arrest, all but one of the stolen items were recovered.
The missing item, a Mindray DP 10 Laptop-Ultrasound valued at ₦3.4 million, was reportedly sold to one Chukwudi Eyinaya in the Mushin area of Lagos for ₦1 million.
During interrogation, the suspect confessed to the crime, stating that he had hidden the remaining equipment with his sister in Ihiala, Anambra State before fleeing to Benue.
Among the recovered items is a Mindray SV 300 Laptop Ventilator, a critical care device used in respiratory support.
Also recovered was a Mindray 3-part Hematology Analyzer, which is typically used for automated blood analysis in medical laboratories.
The police further retrieved two Mindray Patient Monitors, which are essential for tracking vital signs, as well as two Patient Monitor Trolleys designed to support and mobilize the monitors in clinical environments.
In addition, a Zoncare 12-lead ECG machine, used to record electrical activity of the heart, was also recovered.
Police authorities have confirmed that further investigation is ongoing, and the suspect will be charged to court upon the conclusion of inquiries.
