EFCC Clarifies Position On Death Of Fugitive In Benue

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has clarified its position on the circumstances surrounding the death of a fugitive, Asar Michael Sesugh, who escaped from its custody weeks earlier and was later found dead on a street in Makurdi, Benue State.

In a statement issued by its spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, the Commission dismissed claims that the deceased died while in EFCC custody, insisting that the incident did not occur within its detention facility in Makurdi.

Oyewale said the clarification became necessary following public speculation about the circumstances of the suspect’s death, stressing that the Commission had followed due process in handling the case.

According to the statement, the EFCC had on April 28, 2026, arrested 26 suspected cyber fraudsters in Makurdi, who were profiled and detained following a remand order obtained from a Magistrate Court.

He explained that on May 4, 2026, three of the suspects allegedly escaped from custody after requesting to use the lavatory at the Commission’s holding facility and breaking through the toilet roof.

“Shortly after their arrest, specifically on May 4, 2026, three of the suspects sought permission to use the lavatory at the Directorate’s Holding Facility and were permitted. They cashed in on the opportunity, broke the toilet’s roof and escaped from detention. Several efforts were made to re-arrest them to no avail,” the statement read.

The EFCC further disclosed that on May 21, 2026, intelligence indicated that one of the escapees, Sesugh, was hiding in the Kansho axis of Makurdi.

Oyewale stated that operatives moved to the location, where they allegedly came under attack from the suspect and his accomplices.

“Upon sighting the team, Sesugh and his suspected cult members opened fire on them. Operatives of the Commission returned fire in self-defence,” he said.

He added that after the exchange, the suspects fled the scene, but Sesugh was later found lying in a pool of blood by the roadside.

According to the Commission, he was immediately taken to the Police Cottage Hospital in Makurdi, where he was confirmed dead.

The EFCC said the matter was reported to the Benue State Police Command, which has since commenced investigations into the incident and the activities of the fleeing suspects.

The Commission reiterated that the deceased was neither in its custody at the time of his death nor granted bail at any point.

It expressed condolences to the family of the deceased but warned against attacks on its operatives, adding that it would continue to carry out its mandate in the interest of national security and anti-corruption enforcement.