EFCC operative dies after scuffle with colleagues over suspect’s properties

An Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Inspector, Abel Isah Dickson has died after a scuffle with two colleagues over properties seized from a suspect. 

The properties include medications and some cash. Colleagues of the deceased, Assistant Superintendent of EFCC, Apata Oluwaseun Odunayo and Inspector of EFCC, Ogbuji Titu Tochukwu, have also been arraigned in a court in Sokoto for culpable homicide. 

EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity of EFCC, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren told newsmen that the affected officers have also been suspended. 

He said; 

“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. 

“Both offences are punishable under Sections 60 and 191 of the Sokoto State Penal Code Law, 2019.

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

Uwajuren added that the Executive Chairman of EFCC, Abdulrasheed Bawa has vowed not to tolerate any act of indiscipline.  He said; 

“The Executive Chairman, Abdulrasheed Bawa is saddened by the incident, and has 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 equally warned staff of the commission to ensure that their conduct at all times is moderated by the established code of behaviour as no act of indiscipline would be tolerated.

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

When asked if the scuffle was about a suspect’s loot, Uwujaren said;  

“The items were medications and some monies deposited in the suspect’s locker. It has nothing to do with any loot.”