EFCC speaks on controversial death of cybercrime suspect

Nigeria's Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has refuted claims that a cybercrime suspect, Asar Sesugh, died while in its custody. The anti-graft agency asserted that Sesugh was killed during an exchange of gunfire with operatives weeks after he escaped from detention in Makurdi, Benue State.

In a statement released by its Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, the EFCC detailed that Sesugh was among 26 individuals arrested on April 28 for alleged internet fraud. After obtaining a court order, the suspects were detained for further investigation. The agency reported that three suspects escaped on May 4 by breaking through the facility's roof, despite efforts to recapture them.

The EFCC stated that on May 21, intelligence led operatives to Sesugh's location in Kanshio, Makurdi. According to the commission, Sesugh and his associates opened fire upon sighting the EFCC team, prompting a return of fire in self-defense. During the ensuing chaos, Sesugh was found by the roadside with a gunshot wound and later confirmed dead at a hospital. The EFCC emphasized that Sesugh did not die in custody and was not on bail prior to the incident.

This official account contrasts sharply with the narrative provided by Sesugh's mother, Jennifer Atsar. She alleged that her son, a 16-year-old student, was arrested, released on bail, and asked to pay N100,000 for his phone. Atsar claimed her son was lured to a hotel where EFCC operatives were staying, and after an argument, he fled and was allegedly shot at close range. She vehemently denied any involvement of her son in internet fraud, cultism, or drug-related activities, describing him as a hardworking teenager.