The EFCC says Asar Michael Sesugh did not die in its custody. He died on the run.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Saturday dismissed reports that the 26-year-old suspect died while detained.
According to the Commission, Sesugh was shot dead after escaping from detention and opening fire on operatives in Makurdi.
–How he escaped–
EFCC Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, said Sesugh was one of 26 suspected cybercriminals arrested on April 28, 2026, and remanded by a court.
On May 4, Sesugh and two others asked to use the lavatory at the EFCC holding facility. They were granted permission.
“They cashed in on the opportunity, broke the toilet’s roof and escaped from detention,” Oyewale reportedly stated.
–Gunfire in Kansho area–
Intelligence later placed Sesugh in Kansho area, Makurdi.
When EFCC operatives moved in, he was allegedly with suspected cult members.
“Upon sighting the team, Sesugh and his suspected cult members opened fire on them. Operatives of the Commission returned fire in self-defence,” the statement said.
All suspects fled during the exchange. Sesugh was later found wounded by the roadside and rushed to the Police Cottage Hospital at the police headquarters in Makurdi, where he was pronounced dead.
The EFCC said it immediately reported the incident to police.
An investigation is ongoing to determine full circumstances and to arrest the fleeing suspects.
–“Not on bail, not in custody”–
The Commission stressed: “The dead suspect did not die in custody and was not on bail at any time.”
While expressing sympathy to Sesugh’s family, EFCC maintained it will not tolerate attacks on personnel or security breaches by suspects.
[Rewritten story culled from Saturday Sun]
