EFCC Explains Death Of Fugitive In Benue

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has clarified its position on what led to the death of a fugitive, Asar Michael Sesugh, who had escaped from its custody weeks earlier and was later found dead on the streets of Makurdi, the Benue State capital.

EFCC spokesman, Dele Oyewale, debunked the rumour that Sesugh died in the commission’s custody, saying never happened at its office.

The statement said, “The EFCC considered it imperative to clear the air on some recent incidents at its Makurdi zonal directorate in Benue State.

“Operatives of the directorate arrested 26 suspected cyber fraudsters on April 28, 2026. They were profiled and kept in custody for further investigations after obtaining a remand order at a Magistrate Court.

“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.”

Oyewale further stated that fresh intelligence came on Thursday, May 21 that one of the escaped suspects, Asar Michael Sesugh, was hiding somewhere in Kansho axis of Makurdi. Operatives made for the location. Upon sighting the team, Sesugh and his suspected cult members were said to have opened fire on them.

“Operatives of the commission returned fire in self-defence. All the suspected cult members, including Sesugh, fled owing to the exchange of fire between them and EFCC operatives. However, Sesugh was later sighted lying in the pool of his blood by the roadside. He was promptly taken to the Police Cottage Hospital at the police headquarters in Makurdi where he was pronounced dead.

“The commission reported the matter at the Benue State police headquarters in Makurdi and the police have begun investigation to ascertain the circumstances surrounding his death and are making efforts to arrest other fleeing members of the suspected cult. Preliminary reports of the findings of the police have also been released to the public,he added.

The EFCC said the dead suspect did not die in custody and was not on bail at any time. While it expressed condolences to the family of the deceased suspect, it said it would not condone any further attack on its operatives or breach of its internal security by suspects.