A fugitive wanted in connection with an alleged fraud and cybercrime investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has died following a gunfire exchange between security operatives and suspected cultists in Makurdi, Benue State.
The deceased, identified as Atser Sesugh, was one of three suspects apprehended by the EFCC in Makurdi on April 28, 2026, over alleged involvement in fraud and cybercrime-related activities.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer of the Benue State Command, DSP Udeme Edet, the suspects — James Onuh, Atser Sesugh, and Solomon Aondoakura Orhena — reportedly escaped from lawful custody at the EFCC facility on May 4 and subsequently went into hiding.
In a statement, Edet disclosed that EFCC operatives, acting on credible intelligence, raided a hideout located behind Mechanic Village in Kanshio, a suburb within Makurdi metropolis, at about 3pm on Thursday, May 23. The operation followed reports that the fleeing suspects had been sighted in the area, according to Daily Trust.
The statement noted that the operatives encountered a group of suspected cultists who allegedly opened fire on them, resulting in a gun duel before the suspects fled the scene.
The police spokesperson said that while the operatives were retreating, they discovered Sesugh lying in a pool of blood by the roadside.
“He was immediately rushed to the Police Cottage Hospital, Makurdi, where he was confirmed dead,” the statement added.
Edet further explained that the corpse had been deposited at the mortuary of the Benue State University Teaching Hospital for preservation and autopsy.
The statement also revealed that the Commissioner of Police in Benue State had directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the Criminal Investigation Department to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, while efforts were ongoing to apprehend the remaining fugitives.
