The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has provided details on the death of Asar Michael Sesugh, an escaped suspect who recently died following a confrontation with security operatives in Benue State.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Commission’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, the anti-graft agency said Sesugh neither died in EFCC custody nor was he granted bail before his death.
According to the Commission, operatives of its Makurdi Zonal Directorate arrested 26 suspected internet fraudsters on April 28, 2026. Following their arrest, a Magistrate Court granted a remand order, allowing the suspects to remain in custody while investigations continued.
The EFCC stated that on May 4, three of the suspects requested permission to use the lavatory within the detention facility. While there, they allegedly escaped by breaking through the roof of the toilet.
The Commission said efforts to track down the fugitives were unsuccessful until intelligence reports received on May 21 indicated that Sesugh was hiding in the Kansho area of Makurdi.
Acting on the information, EFCC operatives moved to the location. However, the Commission alleged that Sesugh and some suspected cult members opened fire on the officers after spotting them.
The operatives reportedly returned fire in self-defence, leading to a gun battle. During the exchange, the suspects fled the scene.
The EFCC said Sesugh was later discovered by the roadside with gunshot wounds. He was immediately taken to the Police Cottage Hospital at the Police Headquarters in Makurdi, where medical personnel confirmed him dead.
The Commission added that the incident was reported to the Benue State Police Command, which has since launched an investigation to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the suspect’s death.
The EFCC said it remains committed to cooperating with the investigation and ensuring that the facts surrounding the incident are fully established.
