Benue: EFCC fugitive killed during gunfire exchange

A fugitive linked to an alleged fraud and cybercrime case being investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has died during a gunfire exchange involving operatives and suspected cultists in Makurdi metropolis of Benue State.

The deceased, identified as Atser Sesugh, was among three suspects earlier arrested by the EFCC in Makurdi on April 28, 2026, over alleged fraud and cybercrime offences.

Police Spokesperson for Benue Command, DSP Udeme Edet, said the suspects – James Onuh, Atser Sesugh and Solomon Aondoakura Orhena – later escaped from lawful custody at the EFCC facility on May 4 and went into hiding.

Edet in a statement explained that the EFCC operatives acting on credible intelligence stormed a hideout behind Mechanic Village in Kanshio, a suburb of Makurdi metropolis at about 3pm on Thursday (May 23), after receiving information that the fleeing suspects had been sighted in the area.

The statement said the operatives encountered a group of suspected cultists who allegedly opened fire on them, leading to an exchange of gunfire as the hoodlums escaped from the scene.

The PPRO stated that while retreating, the operatives found Sesugh lying in a pool of blood by the roadside.

“He was immediately rushed to the Police Cottage Hospital, Makurdi, where he was confirmed dead,” the statement added.

Edet further stated that the corpse has been deposited at the mortuary of the Benue State University Teaching Hospital for preservation and autopsy.

The statement added that the Commissioner of Police in Benue State has directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the Criminal Investigation Department to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, while efforts are ongoing to arrest the remaining fugitives.

المصدر: Daily Trust (NG)