Dispatch rider arrested over theft of N34m medical equipment

Police detectives in Zone 2 Command, Onikan, Lagos, have arrested a dispatch rider, Matthew Owochotie Adoche, over the theft of medical equipment valued at N34.4 million belonging to the Zamfara State Government. The arrest followed a report from a medical doctor, Ajefolakemi John, of Iloromu Quarters, Ile-Ife, Osun State, who alleged that Adoche absconded with […]

Police detectives in Zone 2 Command, Onikan, Lagos, have arrested a dispatch rider, Matthew Owochotie Adoche, over the theft of medical equipment valued at N34.4 million belonging to the Zamfara State Government.

The arrest followed a report from a medical doctor, Ajefolakemi John, of Iloromu Quarters, Ile-Ife, Osun State, who alleged that Adoche absconded with the items.

According to a petition submitted to AIG Adegoke Fayoade, the rider was hired on April 15, 2025, to deliver equipment from Ikotun and Ikeja to Idumota, Lagos, for onward shipment to Zamfara.

However, Adoche disappeared with the items and became unreachable, with all phone lines switched off.

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AIG Fayoade assigned the Zonal Anti-Crime Unit to investigate.

The team traced Adoche to Ugbokpo Community in Benue State, where he was arrested. All stolen items were recovered, except a Mindray DP-10 Laptop Ultrasound machine, valued at N34.4 million.

Adoche admitted selling the ultrasound to one Chukwudi Eyinaya in Mushin, Lagos, for N1 million.

He said the remaining items were left with his sister in Ihiala, Anambra State, before he fled to Benue.

The AIG confirmed that investigations are ongoing and the suspect will be prosecuted upon completion.