The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the death of a fugitive linked to an alleged fraud and cybercrime case being investigated by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC). The incident occurred during a gunfire exchange involving EFCC operatives and suspected cultists in Makurdi, Benue State.
Police Statement on the Incident
The command's spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, confirmed the incident in a statement released on Sunday, May 24, 2026. According to the Police Public Relations Officer, the deceased has been identified as Atser Sesugh. He was among three suspects previously arrested by the EFCC in Makurdi on April 28, 2026.
Escape from Custody
The statement revealed that four suspects had escaped from the EFCC Makurdi facility on May 4, 2026, and subsequently went into hiding. Acting on credible intelligence that the fleeing suspects had been located at their hideout, EFCC operatives stormed the scene.
Gunfire Exchange
Upon arrival, suspected cultists opened fire on the EFCC operatives. A fierce exchange of gunfire ensued, during which the assailants managed to escape. While retreating from the scene, the operatives discovered one of the escapees, Atser Sesugh, lying in a pool of blood by the roadside.
The statement read: "The Benue State Police Command wishes to inform the general public of an incident involving the death of one Atser Sesugh, who was involved in a fraud and cybercrime case being investigated by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC)."
Detailed Account of Events
The report made available to the Benue State Commissioner of Police indicates that on April 28, 2026, personnel of the EFCC Makurdi arrested three suspects: James Onuh, Atser Sesugh, and Solomon Aondoakura Orhena, in connection with a case of fraud and cybercrime. These suspects reportedly escaped from lawful custody from the EFCC Makurdi facility on May 4, 2026, and went into hiding.
On May 23, 2026, at approximately 3:00 PM, credible information was received by the EFCC that the fleeing suspects had been sighted at their hideout behind Mechanic Village, Kanshio, Makurdi. Upon arrival at the scene, operatives sighted a group of young men suspected to be cultists, who opened fire on the EFCC operatives and escaped during the exchange of gunfire that followed.
While retreating from the scene after exchanging fire with the hoodlums, the EFCC operatives sighted one of the escapees, Atser Sesugh, lying in a pool of blood by the roadside. The suspect was immediately picked up and taken to the Police Cottage Hospital Makurdi by the operatives, where he was confirmed dead.
Investigation Underway
His corpse has been deposited at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital mortuary for preservation and autopsy. The Commissioner of Police has directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the Criminal Investigation Department to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. Efforts are also ongoing to apprehend the other fleeing fugitives.
The Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, assures the public of a thorough investigation and reiterates the Command’s commitment to upholding the rule of law.
