Family seeks closure of son’s betting accounts over alleged gambling addiction

A family in Jalingo, Taraba State, has appealed to sports betting companies to suspend or permanently close the betting accounts of a young man, Paul Matudi, over concerns about his alleged gambling addiction.

The family said Mr Matudi’s involvement in sports betting had become excessive, raising concerns about its impact on his education, finances and the emotional well-being of relatives.

The appeal was contained in a letter dated 30 October and addressed to the management of betting companies operating in Jalingo and Ardo-Kola Local Government Areas of the state.

The letter, signed by Abraham Matudi, who identified himself as the young man’s family representative, urged betting operators to immediately suspend, freeze or permanently block Paul Matudi’s accounts to prevent further betting activities.

“The situation is affecting Paul’s ability to concentrate on his education and exercise control over his betting activities,” the family said in the letter.

The family also urged betting companies to enforce responsible gambling measures, particularly in cases involving customers suspected to be under 18 or showing signs of compulsive gambling.

It warned that it would not accept responsibility for any financial losses or other consequences arising from betting activities on the accounts after the formal request for their closure.

“We will not accept responsibility for any financial losses or other consequences arising from continued betting activities after the formal request for account closure,” the letter stated.

Mr Abraham further appealed to operators who receive the letter to circulate it among other betting outlets and companies in the two local government areas to ensure that the request reaches all relevant platforms.

The family said it expected the companies to cooperate and provide confirmation once the accounts had been disabled.

The appeal comes amid growing concerns about the effects of sports betting among young Nigerians, particularly its potential consequences for education, financial stability and family relationships.