A fugitive linked to an alleged fraud and cybercrime case being investigated by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), has d!ed during a gunfire exchange involving operatives and suspected cultists in Makurdi, Benue State.
The spokesperson for the command, DSP Udeme Edet, confirmed the incident in a statement on Sunday, May 24, 2026.
According to the PPRO, the deceased identified as Atser Sesugh, was among three suspects earlier arrested by the EFCC in Makurdi on April 28, 2026.
Four suspects reportedly escaped from the EFCC Makurdi facility on 4th May 2026 and went into hiding. Acting on credible information received by EFCC that the fleeing suspects had been sighted at their hideout, operatives stormed the scene.
Upon arrival, suspected cultists opened fire on the EFCC operatives and escaped during an exchange of gunfire.
While retreating from the scene, the EFCC operatives sighted one of the escapees, Atser Sesugh, lying in the pool of his blood by the roadside.
“The Benue State Police Command wishes to inform the general public of an incident involving the d3ath of one Atser Sesugh, who was involved in a fraud and cybercrime case being investigated by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC),” the statement read.
“Report made available to Benue State Commissioner of Police indicates that on 28th April 2026, personnel of the EFCC Makurdi arrested three suspects—James Onuh, Atser Sesugh, and Solomon Aondoakura Orhena in connection with case of fraud and cybercrime.
“These suspects reportedly escaped from lawful custody from the EFCC Makurdi facility on 4th May 2026 and went into hiding.
“On 23rd May 2026 at about 1500hrs, credible information was received by EFCC that the fleeing suspects had been sighted at their hideout behind Mechanic Village, Kanshio, Makurdi.
“Upon arrival at the scene, operatives sighted a group of young men suspected to be cultists who opened fire on the EFCC operatives and escaped during an exchange of gunfire that followed.
“While retreating from the scene, after exchanging fire with the hoodlums, the EFCC operatives sighted one of the escapees, Atser Sesugh, lying in the pool of his blood by the roadside.
“The suspect was immediately picked and taken to the Police Cottage Hospital Makurdi by the operatives where he was confirmed d3ad.
“His corpse has been deposited at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital mortuary for preservation and autopsy.
“The Commissioner of Police has directed the DC CID to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. Efforts are also ongoing to apprehend the other fleeing fugitives.
“The Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, assures the public of a thorough investigation and reiterates the Command’s commitment to upholding the rule of law.”
