A tragic incident unfolded in the upscale Lekki area of Lagos when a man lost his life while attempting to escape a raid conducted by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Details of the Fatal Incident
Endurance Udeke died after jumping from a four-storey building during an EFCC operation targeting suspected internet fraudsters at Periwinkle Estate, Lekki Phase 1. The anti-graft agency confirmed the incident occurred on November 4, though the public statement was released on Saturday.
According to the EFCC's official account, four suspects were successfully arrested during the sting operation. However, Udeke and another resident from apartment W6a attempted to escape upon learning about the EFCC's presence.
"Udeke and one other resident got wind of the operation and tried to escape arrest by jumping down from the four-storey building," the Commission stated. "Udeke did not survive the suicidal effort, in spite of medical interventions made to rescue him."
Aftermath and Official Response
The second individual who jumped survived after receiving immediate medical treatment and has since been stabilized, according to EFCC officials. The agency emphasized that its operatives had no physical contact with Udeke before the fatal incident, describing his action as both tragic and unnecessary.
"The Commission is shocked at the suicidal action of the deceased. There was no contact between officers of the Commission and the deceased before the unfortunate incident," the EFCC stated in their official release.
The case has been formally handed over to the police for further investigation into the circumstances surrounding Udeke's death. While expressing sympathy to the family of the deceased, the Commission reiterated that its operations are conducted lawfully.
Broader Context and Public Scrutiny
This tragic event occurs amid growing public scrutiny of EFCC operations following several controversial raids in recent months. In September, the agency faced significant backlash after an early morning operation at a Lagos hotel led to the arrest of eleven people, including some guests not linked to fraud allegations.
Earlier this year, the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Ogun State accused the EFCC of conducting an unlawful raid on its facilities, demanding ₦3.5 billion in damages and a public apology.
Despite ongoing public criticism, the EFCC maintains that its anti-corruption drive remains essential to Nigeria's efforts to combat cybercrime and illicit financial activities. The Commission urged members of the public to remain calm and cooperate during lawful operations, insisting that its raids follow due process.
"While we await the outcome of the investigation, it is important to remind the public that no one with nothing to hide has reason to be afraid of EFCC sting operations," the Commission noted in their concluding remarks.
