EFCC: Suspect Michael Sesugh died after shootout, not in custody

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has said that suspected cyber fraudster Asar Michael Sesugh did not die in custody, noting that he was killed in a shootout with operatives after escaping detention.

In a statement issued from its Makurdi Zonal Directorate, Benue State, the commission said Sesugh was among 26 suspected cyber fraudsters arrested on April 28, 2026. They were profiled and remanded in custody after a Magistrate Court granted a remand order.

On May 4, 2026, three suspects, including Sesugh, were allowed to use the lavatory at the Directorate’s holding facility. The EFCC said they broke the toilet roof and escaped. Several attempts to rearrest them failed.

Fresh intelligence on Thursday, May 21, 2026, led operatives to the Kansho axis of Makurdi where Sesugh was allegedly hiding with suspected cult members. Upon sighting the EFCC team, Sesugh and his group opened fire, the commission stated.

Operatives returned fire in self-defence. All the suspects fled during the exchange, but Sesugh was later found lying in a pool of blood by the roadside. He was rushed to the Police Cottage Hospital at the Police Headquarters, Makurdi, where he was pronounced dead.

The EFCC reported the incident to the Benue State Police Headquarters, which has begun investigations into the circumstances of his death and is making efforts to arrest fleeing members of the suspected cult. Preliminary police findings have also been released to the public.

“The commission wishes to state clearly that the dead suspect did not die in custody and was not on bail at any time,” the statement said.

While expressing condolences to the family of the deceased, the EFCC said it would not condone further attacks on its operatives or breaches of its internal security. The commission assured it will continue to act in the best interests of the nation.