EFCC officer dies during scuffle with colleagues over ‘items recovered from suspect’

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says Abel Dickson, one of its operatives, has died after a scuffle with his colleagues over the custody of some items recovered from a suspect.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, Wilson Uwujaren, EFCC spokesperson, said the incident occurred on May 5, while the victim died on May 7 at Usmanu Danfodio University Teaching Hospital in Sokoto, where he was receiving 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 said the incident was the first of its kind, noting that the commission would ensure that the erring officers face justice.

He said the deceased and two other colleagues, Apata Odunayo and Ogbuji Tochukwu, were attached to the Sokoto state command of the commission.

“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 behaviour as no act of indiscipline would be tolerated.

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