EFCC faults narratives on murder of its officer, warns against further attack

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has condemned the narratives surrounding the murder of one of its officers, ASE II Aminu Sahabi Salisu, by a suspected internet fraudster, Joshua Chukwubueze Ikechukwu, in Awka, Anambra State.

A statement by EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale on Sunday said there was no justification, as pushed by some commentators, to rationalise the cold-blooded murder of the officer who was performing his legitimate duties.

EFCC emphasised that it would not condone further attacks on its officers, warning that such acts would be met with the full force of the law.

The statement read: “The Commission views with great concern the irresponsible, callous, inhuman, and outrageous narratives being circulated on social media about the reasons behind the fatal incident. It is heinous to reduce the death of a gallant officer, who was carrying out patriotic and official duties, to social media razzmatazz.

“More worrisome is the fact that some faceless commentators are siding with an alleged criminal who unleashed terror on officers of the EFCC in the line of duty.

“There is no justification whatsoever to rationalise a murderous act. The milk of human kindness demands that a grieving family, the Commission, and the nation be spared the shenanigans of false narratives and conjectures regarding the death of the slain officer.

“Salisu, alongside other investigators of the EFCC, was at Dr J.O. Ukwutinife Close, Ifite, Awka, Anambra State, to arrest suspected internet fraudsters in the early hours of 17 January. The operation was duly documented at the Anambra State Command Headquarters and the Area Command of the Nigeria Police in line with operational protocols.

“The operation initially progressed smoothly, with 37 suspected internet fraudsters arrested at a two-storey building housing Ikechukwu and other occupants.

“However, Ikechukwu, who observed the investigators via a CCTV camera mounted at his doorpost—and who admitted to seeing them—refused to open his door despite the investigators’ polite requests. Defying all introductions and physical identification of the officers, he resorted to firing shots at them, killing Salisu and wounding another officer who was detailed to conduct a search of his apartment.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that Ikechukwu was involved in coding and online medical supplies of doubtful legitimacy. Two laptops, iPads, and several recording devices were recovered from his apartment, and his involvement in internet fraud has already been established. Although currently in police custody due to the murderous dimension of his case, the Commission will ensure he is brought to trial.

“The EFCC also wishes to alert the public that the activities of internet fraudsters are becoming increasingly hazardous to public safety and security. Intelligence has shown that these criminals are now armed and involved in kidnapping, banditry, ritual killings, and other deadly acts. The public must not be misled into thinking they are mere ‘Yahoo boys and girls.’

“As for the EFCC, any subsequent attack on its officers will be met with the full force of the law. The Commission will not stand idly by and allow its officers to be killed in cold blood. As a reputable law enforcement agency, the EFCC remains committed to ridding the nation of internet fraud and other forms of corruption.

“While mourning the loss of its officer, who paid the supreme price in service to the nation, the Commission appreciates the invaluable support, condolences, and prompt response of sister agencies and well-meaning individuals standing shoulder to shoulder with it during this trying time.”

EFCC faults narratives on murder of its officer, warns against further attack