Gambling Addiction Claims Life of Abuja Resident Who Left Emotional Note and Debt Instructions Behind

 

Residents of Saburi 2, a quiet suburb in the Federal Capital Territory, are grappling with the tragic news of a young man's death by suicide. Stephen Chidubem, a resident of Abba Street near the Anglican Church, was discovered dead in his apartment on Wednesday, having reportedly taken his own life by hanging.

The incident, which came to public attention through a post shared by security analyst Zagazola Makama on X (formerly Twitter), has sparked a wave of sadness and introspection within the community. Chidubem, according to the post, was found hanging from a ceiling fan in his home. Emergency services responded promptly, and his body was transported to the Kubwa General Hospital, where medical personnel confirmed he had passed away. His remains were subsequently deposited at the hospital’s mortuary, where an autopsy is expected to be conducted.

Evidence found at the scene included a handwritten note believed to have been authored by the deceased. The content of this note revealed a harrowing struggle with gambling addiction. In his own words, Chidubem expressed remorse and sorrow for the pain he believed he had caused those around him. The note detailed a long-standing battle with gambling that had led him into overwhelming debt and severe emotional distress.

Rather than placing blame, Chidubem’s message was filled with apologies and a final attempt to settle unresolved matters. He named individuals to whom he owed money, specifically addressing Elvis, Paul, and Bishop Andy Ero. One poignant line read, “Sorry to everyone who cared, I can’t continue putting people in trouble because of my gambling addiction.”

He added a clear instruction, asking that Bishop Andy Ero give a balance of ₦507,500 to either Elvis or Paul. It appeared important to him that his outstanding debts, which likely weighed heavily on his conscience, be addressed even in his absence.

Community members who knew Chidubem described him as quiet and polite, but they acknowledged he had seemed withdrawn in recent months. Neighbors reported seeing less of him and noted that he had stopped participating in social gatherings. While no one could have predicted this heartbreaking end, some admitted they sensed he had been struggling silently.

This tragic occurrence has reignited conversations about the growing impact of gambling in Nigeria, especially among the youth. With the proliferation of online betting platforms and limited access to proper financial literacy or addiction support, many young people find themselves trapped in a vicious cycle of wins and losses that often leads to depression, anxiety, and in extreme cases, self-harm.

Experts in mental health and social behavior have pointed to the urgent need for more accessible counseling services and public education campaigns. They emphasize the importance of creating safe spaces for individuals to seek help without fear of judgment or stigma. In a country where mental health issues are often sidelined or misunderstood, the case of Stephen Chidubem underscores the deadly consequences of neglecting this critical aspect of well-being.

Authorities are currently reviewing the note and will likely speak to individuals mentioned by the deceased in an effort to understand the broader context of his decision. Police have not ruled out additional investigation, especially to determine whether any external pressures may have compounded his mental state.

Friends and family of Chidubem are expected to hold a small memorial service in the coming days. Some of them have already taken to social media to express their grief and share fond memories of a life lost too soon. Many posts echo the same sentiment, if only he had reached out, maybe this could have been prevented.

For now, Saburi 2 mourns the loss of a young man who became a casualty of a problem society often refuses to address with seriousness. His story stands as a painful reminder of the hidden battles many face and the dire need for compassion, awareness, and effective support systems.

As the community processes this loss, many are left asking themselves what more could have been done, and how many others might be quietly suffering in silence.