Micheal Sesugh: EFCC clears air on suspect’s alleged death in detention

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has dismissed allegations that Michael Sesugh, a suspected cyber fraudster, died in its custody at the Makurdi Zonal Directorate, Benue State.  

In a press statement signed by the EFCC Spokesperson, Dele Oyewale on Saturday, the deceased was found in the pool of his blood at the Kansho axis of Markurdi shortly after a gun duel with the operatives of the commission while trying to re-arrest him.

Giving an insight into what transpired, Oyewale recounted, “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.

“However, fresh intelligence came on Thursday, May 21, 2026, that one of the escaped suspects, Asar Michael Sesugh, was hiding somewhere in the Kansho axis of Makurdi. Operatives made for the location. Upon sighting the team, Sesugh and his suspected cult members 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’s 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.”

He said the Commission reported the matter at the Benue State Police Headquarters, Makurdi and the Police have begun an investigation to ascertain the circumstances surrounding his death and are making efforts to arrest other fleeing members of the suspected cult. 

He added that preliminary reports of the findings of the Police have also been released to the public. 

The statement read in parts, “The Commission wishes to state clearly that the dead suspect did not die in custody and was not on bail at any time. 

“While the EFCC expresses its condolences to the family of the deceased suspect, it will not condone any further attack on its Operatives or breach of its internal security by suspects. The Commission assures that it will continue to act in the best interests of the nation.”

Micheal Sesugh: EFCC clears air on suspect’s alleged death in detention