EFCC Says 16‑Year‑Old Died After Gunfire in Makurdi Escape

A 16-year-old suspect died following an exchange of gunfire with operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in Makurdi, Benue State, according to an official account released by the anti-graft agency. The EFCC has denied allegations that Asar Michael Sesugh died in its custody, stating he was killed weeks after escaping from detention.

The commission said Sesugh was among 26 individuals arrested on suspicion of cybercrime on April 28. After being profiled, the suspects were remanded in custody at the EFCC's Makurdi Zonal Directorate following a court order. On May 4, three of the detainees, including Sesugh, requested to use a lavatory at the holding facility. The EFCC stated the men broke through the toilet's roof and escaped. Multiple attempts to recapture them were unsuccessful.

According to the EFCC, new intelligence received on May 21 indicated Sesugh was hiding in the Kanshio area of Makurdi. Operatives dispatched to the location were met with gunfire from Sesugh and a group of individuals suspected to be cult members, the commission said. The operatives returned fire in what the agency described as self-defense. All individuals fled the scene during the...