Tragedy as EFCC operatives kill colleague during scuffle over suspect’s seized property

Some operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have snuffed another officer in a bloody fight over some items collected from a suspect.

The deceased, Abel Isah Dickson, an Inspector, was killed by two colleagues in the scuffle.

The items include medications and some cash.

Meanwhile, the two colleagues, an Assistant Superintendent, Apata Oluwaseun Odunayo and Inspector of EFCC, Ogbuji Titu Tochukwu, hav been arraigned in a Sokoto High Court for culpable homicide.

Commenting on the incident, the EFCC Chairman, Mr Abdulrasheed Bawa, promised not to leave no stone unturned in ensuring that the officers are brought to justice.

The Head of Media and Publicity of EFCC, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, who confirmed the incident in a briefing in Abuja, said the affected officers have also been suspended.

“We have invited you this morning to brief you about an unfortunate incident that happened at our Sokoto Zonal Command, which is suspected to have led to the death of one of our young officers, Inspector of the EFCC, Abel Isah Dickson.

“The officer passed away on May 7, 2023, at the Usmanu DanFodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto where he was receiving treatment for injuries he sustained, two days earlier, in a scuffle with two other staff: Assistant Superintendent of EFCC, Apata Oluwaseun Odunayo and Inspector of EFCC, Ogbuji Titu Tochukwu.

“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.

“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.

“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,” he said.

The offences committed by the operatives violated Sections 60 and 191 of the Sokoto State Penal Code Law, 2019.

Meanwhile, the remains of the late officer were interred on Saturday May 13, 2023 in Jos, Plateau State.