The death of 16-year-old Sesugh Atser has continued to generate widespread controversy, with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) facing growing public criticism and demands for an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The teenager was reportedly killed in May 2026 in the Kanshio area of Makurdi, Benue State, prompting allegations of extrajudicial killing and renewed concerns over the conduct of anti-graft operatives during enforcement operations.
In a statement released on Saturday, the EFCC presented its account of events leading to the teenager’s death.
According to the commission, 26 suspected internet fraud suspects were arrested on April 28, 2026, by operatives attached to its Makurdi Zonal Directorate. The agency said the suspects were subsequently profiled, arraigned and remanded by the court.
The commission stated that on May 4, three of the suspects, including Sesugh, escaped from custody after requesting permission to use the toilet. It alleged that the detainees broke through the roof of the facility and fled.
The EFCC also shared photographs on its X account showing what appeared to be damage to the roof structure of its detention facility.
Providing further details, the anti-graft agency said intelligence received on May 21 led operatives to a location in Kanshio where Sesugh was allegedly hiding.
According to the EFCC, the team came under attack upon arrival.
“Operatives of the commission returned fire in self-defence. All the suspected cult members, including Sesugh, fled owing to the exchange of fire between them and EFCC operatives.
“However, Sesugh was later sighted lying in a pool of blood by the roadside. He was promptly taken to the Police Cottage Hospital at the Police Headquarters in Makurdi, where he was pronounced dead,” the EFCC said.
The commission maintained that the teenager was neither in its custody at the time of the incident nor released on bail.
Despite the explanation, many Nigerians questioned the EFCC’s version of events, with several social media users expressing doubts over the circumstances surrounding the alleged escape and subsequent shooting.
Human rights activist Rinu Oduala was among those who criticised the commission’s account.
“A 17-year-old boy opened fire? He was first a fraudster, then a cult member who broke a toilet roof and escaped from your own custody, in your own office?”
Another social media user wrote, “Everybody allegedly ran away. Then later, the same suspect was ‘sighted lying in a pool of blood by the roadside.’ Did the bullet chase him on its own?”
A third commenter stated, “From suspected fraudsters to suspected cultists. I wonder how you guys sleep at night, considering how you’ve ruined someone else’s life. What a country.”
Another added, “This story isn’t believable. This entire write-up is nonsensical. Please go back and investigate the death of this young man.”
In an earlier interview, the teenager’s mother, Jennifer Atsar, rejected the EFCC’s claims and described her son as a Junior Secondary School 3 student who combined furniture apprenticeship with menial jobs to support his family.
She alleged that EFCC operatives had previously arrested her son but later released him after finding no incriminating evidence against him. According to her, the officials allegedly retained his phone and demanded N100,000 before it could be returned.
Recounting the events of the day he died, she said her son left home with a friend before news of his death reached the family.
“A few hours later, one of my neighbours rushed to my house and said they had killed my son,” she said.
“I was told that two EFCC operatives, dressed in mufti, contacted my son’s friend and asked him to come to a hotel located within the community where they were staying.
“When they arrived at the hotel on a motorcycle, Sesugh got down, opened the gate, and they rode inside. Upon seeing them, one of the EFCC officers drew a gun. My son ran when he saw the gun, and they chased and shot him at close range.
“As soon as my son was shot, the officials tried to leave, but people in the area insisted that the EFCC should go with the body. My son was still calling the name of the officer who shot him while gasping for breath.
“He asked for water, but the people insisted they must take him along, so they ordered a vehicle and took him to the Police Headquarters in Makurdi,” she added.
The grieving mother said she had not been allowed to see her son’s body and insisted that he was not in custody when the incident occurred.
She also denied allegations linking him to internet fraud, maintaining that such claims were fabricated to justify his death.
The incident has further intensified scrutiny of the EFCC’s operational methods, particularly its raids targeting suspected cybercrime activities.
Recent operations by the commission have drawn criticism from rights groups and members of the public over allegations of indiscriminate arrests, excessive use of force, lack of warrants and disruption of lawful activities.
Last month, an operation at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital sparked controversy after reports emerged that operatives deployed tear gas and assaulted hospital personnel during an attempt to verify a medical report connected to an ongoing trial.
The incident reportedly triggered an indefinite strike by health workers and threats of legal action from the Nigerian Medical Association.
Similarly, EFCC operatives came under criticism following raids on nightclubs in Akure, where dozens of people were arrested during social events, leading to protests and allegations of inhumane treatment.
In Edo State, repeated raids on homes, hostels and communities suspected of harbouring internet fraudsters also sparked demonstrations, with residents accusing operatives of harassment, illegal searches and arbitrary arrests.
Comparable protests were later reported in Benin City and at Kwara State Polytechnic, where youths demanded greater accountability and respect for citizens’ rights during anti-corruption operations.
