Asar Sesugh, a cybercrime suspect who escaped from custody, died after a shootout with Economic and Financial Crimes Commission operatives in Makurdi, Benue State.
The EFCC moved quickly to clarify that Sesugh did not die while in the agency's custody. The operatives engaged him in a gun battle after he fled, and the exchange of fire resulted in his death.
Details of how Sesugh escaped custody remain unclear. The EFCC has not disclosed where he was being held before the escape or the circumstances that allowed him to get away.
Sesugh's death marks another flashpoint in the commission's ongoing crackdown on cybercriminals operating in the country. The EFCC has intensified operations across multiple states, leading to arrests and confrontations with suspects who resist apprehension.
The agency's statement distancing itself from custody-related responsibility suggests concerns about potential legal or public relations fallout. In recent times, there have been questions about how suspects in EFCC custody are treated, making the clarification significant.
The Makurdi incident happened as the EFCC continues its war on internet fraud syndicates that have made Benue State and the broader North Central region hotspots for cybercrime activities. Young men in these areas have been arrested and prosecuted for conducting romance scams, business email compromise schemes, and other online fraud operations targeting victims locally and internationally.
The EFCC has not released additional details about Sesugh's alleged crimes or the specific cybercrime charges he faced. Investigation files and case records related to his prosecution have not been made public.
