Escaped fraud suspect dies in shootout with EFCC operatives

A suspected cybercrime offender, Asar Sesugh, who escaped from the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in Benue State, has died following a gun battle between EFCC operatives and his suspected cult associates.

Sesugh was among 26 persons arrested for alleged internet fraud by the commission’s Makurdi Zonal Directorate on April 28, 2026. He was remanded in custody based on a court order.

On May 4, 2026, Sesugh and two other suspects requested to use the lavatory at the detention facility. They took advantage of the opportunity, broke through the toilet roof, and fled. Several efforts to recapture them failed.

A breakthrough came on May 21, 2026, when intelligence indicated that Sesugh was hiding in the Kansho area of Makurdi. When operatives moved to the location, Sesugh and his associates opened fire on them. The operatives returned fire in self-defence, after which all the suspects fled.

Sesugh was later found lying in a pool of his own blood by the roadside. He was rushed to the Police Cottage Hospital in Makurdi, where he was pronounced dead.

The incident has been reported to the Benue State Police Command for investigation. The EFCC clarified that the suspect did not die in its custody and was not on bail at any time, adding that it will not tolerate attacks on its operatives or breaches of its internal security.