Sh*ck And Confusion: EFCC Reacts As Suspect Falls to Death While Fleeing Arrest in Abuja

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has clarified the circumstances surrounding the death of Endurance Udeke, a resident of Periwinkle Estate, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, who died during a sting operation on Tuesday, November 4.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In a statement issued on Saturday, the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, described the incident as “unfortunate”, attributing it to what he called the “suicidal action” of the deceased.

“The Commission feels obliged to clear the air on the circumstances leading to the passing of citizen Endurance Udeke, a resident of apartment W6a, Periwinkle Estate, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos,” Oyewale said.

According to the anti-graft agency, operatives had visited the estate to apprehend suspected internet fraudsters. The operation reportedly went smoothly until Udeke and another occupant of the same apartment allegedly attempted to evade arrest.

“The operation was smooth in all the apartments, and four suspected internet fraudsters were arrested. However, Udeke and another resident of apartment W6a, upon learning of the operation, tried to escape by jumping from the four-storey building,” the EFCC explained.

Oyewale revealed that Udeke sustained fatal injuries from the fall despite emergency medical efforts to save him.

“Udeke did not survive the suicidal jump despite medical interventions to rescue him,” he said, adding that the second individual survived after receiving medical treatment.

The EFCC said it had contacted Udeke’s family to inform them of the events and the measures taken to save his life.

“As a responsible law enforcement agency, the Commission contacted Udeke’s family with details of the incident. The efforts made to ensure his survival were appreciated by the family,” Oyewale noted.

He stressed that there was no physical contact between EFCC operatives and Udeke before the tragic event occurred.

“The Commission is shocked by the suicidal action of the deceased. There was no contact between EFCC officers and the deceased prior to the incident,” he stated.

According to Oyewale, the EFCC has reported the case to the Nigeria Police Force, which has launched an investigation.

“The Commission has duly reported the matter to the Police, and investigations are ongoing,” he said.

The EFCC spokesperson also appealed to the public to remain calm during operations, emphasizing that law-abiding citizens have no reason to fear EFCC raids.

“While investigations continue, we wish to remind the public that no one with nothing to hide has any reason to panic during EFCC operations,” Oyewale added.

The incident has generated public debate, with many Nigerians calling for an independent investigation to uncover the full details of Udeke’s death.