The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Economic and Financial Crimes Commission) has provided clarification on a series of incidents involving suspects at its Makurdi Zonal Directorate in Benue State, following public concern over the escape and subsequent death of one of the detainees.
According to a statement by the Commission, operatives of the Makurdi Zonal Directorate arrested 26 suspected cyber fraudsters on April 28, 2026. The suspects were profiled and remanded in custody after a Magistrate Court granted a remand order pending further investigation.
The EFCC explained that on May 4, 2026, three of the suspects requested permission to use the lavatory within the holding facility. While permission was granted, the suspects allegedly exploited the opportunity to break through the roof of the toilet facility and escape from custody. Efforts to re-arrest them immediately after the incident were reportedly unsuccessful.
The Commission stated that fresh intelligence later indicated that one of the escaped suspects, identified as Asar Michael Sesugh, was hiding within the Kanshio axis of Makurdi. Operatives were subsequently deployed to the location on May 21, 2026.
Upon sighting the operatives, Sesugh and suspected accomplices allegedly opened fire on the team, prompting a response in self-defence. The suspects fled during the exchange of gunfire, but Sesugh was later found lying injured by the roadside.
He was reportedly taken to the Police Cottage Hospital at the Police Headquarters in Makurdi, where he was confirmed dead.
The EFCC said the matter was immediately reported to the Nigeria Police Force in Benue State, which has since commenced investigations to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and to track other fleeing suspects believed to be members of a cult group.
The Commission further clarified that the deceased suspect was neither in custody at the time of his death nor granted bail at any point following his escape. It added that preliminary findings from the police investigation have already been made available to the public.
While expressing condolences to the family of the deceased, the EFCC stressed that it will not tolerate attacks on its operatives or breaches of detention protocols, reiterating its commitment to enforcing the law and safeguarding national economic interests.
