The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has issued a statement addressing reports surrounding the death of one of its suspects, Asar Michael Sesugh, following an operation carried out by operatives of its Makurdi Zonal Directorate in Benue State.
According to the anti-graft agency, the clarification became necessary in view of recent public discussions and allegations concerning the circumstances leading to Sesugh’s death.
The commission disclosed that on April 28, 2026, operatives of the Makurdi Zonal Directorate arrested 26 individuals suspected of involvement in cybercrime activities.
Following their arrest, the suspects were profiled and detained for further investigation after the EFCC obtained a valid remand order from a Magistrate Court.
However, the commission revealed that on May 4, 2026, three of the suspects requested permission to use the lavatory within the Directorate’s holding facility.
While there, the suspects allegedly exploited the opportunity to escape by damaging the roof of the toilet facility and fleeing from custody.
The EFCC stated that several attempts were made to track down and re-arrest the escapees, but the efforts initially proved unsuccessful.
The breakthrough came on May 21, 2026, when intelligence reports indicated that one of the escaped suspects, identified as Asar Michael Sesugh, was hiding within the Kansho area of Makurdi.
Acting on the intelligence, EFCC operatives moved to the location.
The commission alleged that upon sighting the operatives, Sesugh and individuals suspected to be cult members accompanying him opened fire on the team.
In response, the operatives reportedly returned fire in self-defence, leading to an exchange of gunfire. During the confrontation, Sesugh and the other suspects fled the scene.
The EFCC explained that Sesugh was later discovered lying by the roadside in a pool of blood.
He was immediately rushed to the Police Cottage Hospital, located at the Benue State Police Headquarters in Makurdi, where medical personnel confirmed him dead.
Following the incident, the Commission said it formally reported the matter to the Benue State Police Command, which has commenced an investigation to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the suspect’s death.
The police are also continuing efforts to apprehend other members of the group who escaped during the operation.
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The EFCC noted that preliminary findings from the police investigation have already been made available to the public.
The commission further emphasized that Sesugh neither died while in EFCC custody nor was he granted bail at any point before his death.
While extending condolences to the family of the deceased, the EFCC maintained that it would not tolerate attacks on its personnel or any breach of security within its facilities.
Reaffirming its commitment to law enforcement, the commission stated that it would continue to carry out its mandate in accordance with the law and in the best interest of the nation.
