The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has defended its role in the death of teenager Sesugh Atsar, insisting that the 16-year-old was not killed in cold blood but was caught in a gun battle after allegedly escaping from custody.
Speaking on the controversy, EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, said the teenager was among three suspected internet fraud suspects arrested in Makurdi and detained by the commission before they reportedly escaped from a holding facility.
According to Oyewale, the suspects allegedly fled custody on May 5 after requesting permission to use the toilet, from where they escaped through the roof of the facility.
He explained that the commission subsequently launched a manhunt to track down the escapees and later received intelligence on their whereabouts.
The EFCC spokesman claimed that when operatives moved in to re-arrest the suspects, they allegedly came under gunfire from the group, forcing officers to return fire in self-defence.
According to him, the confrontation resulted in one of the escapees, identified as Sesugh Atsar, sustaining gunshot injuries. He was later taken to the Police Cottage Hospital, where he was confirmed dead.
Oyewale rejected claims by the teenager’s mother that her son had been granted bail before the incident, arguing that a suspect on bail would not have been classified as an escapee from lawful custody.
He questioned the basis of the bail claim and maintained that the commission acted within the law while attempting to rearrest the fleeing suspects.
16-Year-old ,Sesugh Atsar that got shot
The EFCC further stated that no operative lost their life during the exchange and insisted that law enforcement officers have a right to defend themselves when attacked.
Responding to concerns about how the suspects escaped from detention, Oyewale said such incidents occur in law enforcement systems worldwide and stressed that the commission has measures in place to secure its facilities.
The commission maintained that responsibility for the escape should not be placed on the EFCC, noting that the suspects allegedly exploited an opportunity while using the restroom to flee custody.
The teenager’s death has continued to generate public debate, with his family demanding justice and a thorough investigation, while security agencies maintain that the incident occurred during an operation to recapture escaped suspects.
Source: EFCC Spokesman, Dele Oyewale.
