EFCC Officer Dies During Scuffle With Colleagues Over ‘Items Recovered From Suspect’

According to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), one of its operatives, Abel Dickson, died after a skirmish with his colleagues over the possession of some things found by a suspect.

Wilson Uwujaren, the EFCC spokesperson, stated during a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday that the incident occurred on May 5, and the victim died on May 7 at Usmanu Danfodio University Teaching Hospital in Sokoto, where he was undergoing treatment.

“There was nothing like a shootout among the officers, it was just a scuffle among the three officers who disagreed over discrepancies in the items deposited in the suspects’ locker and the items include just medication and some cash,” NAN quoted him as saying.

“They had disagreed over procedures for the custody of items belonging to a suspect in detention, leading to a fight, a conduct which the commission frowns at.”

Uwujaren stated that the occurrence was the first of its sort and that the commission will ensure that the wrongdoing police were brought to justice.

He stated that the deceased and two other employees, Apata Odunayo and Ogbuji Tochukwu, were assigned to the commission’s Sokoto state command.

“The two officers with whom he had a disagreement have been suspended by the commission and handed over to the Nigeria police for further investigation and possible prosecution,” he said.

“The latest information is that a two-count holding charge bordering on criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide has been filed against them at a chief magistrate court, Gwiwa in Sokoto.”

“Without prejudice to the police investigation, they will, in addition, face further disciplinary measures in line with the commission’s staff regulation.”

Uwujaren said Abdulrasheed Bawa, EFCC chairman, was saddened by the incident and had extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.

“He has, in addition, assured that the commission will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that those implicated in the death of the officer are brought to justice,” he said.

“He equally warned staff of the commission to ensure that their conduct at all times is moderated by the established code of behavior as no act of indiscipline would be tolerated.”

“Meanwhile, the remains of the late officer were interred on Saturday, May 13 in Jos, Plateau.”