Family rejects EFCC account of teenager’s death

Fresh controversy has continued to trail the death of 17-year-old Atser Sesugh, a suspect linked to an alleged fraud and cybercrime investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Makurdi, Benue State. Sesugh’s family have strongly disputed the circumstances surrounding the death of their son and called for an independent investigation into the […]

Fresh controversy has continued to trail the death of 17-year-old Atser Sesugh, a suspect linked to an alleged fraud and cybercrime investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Makurdi, Benue State.

Sesugh’s family have strongly disputed the circumstances surrounding the death of their son and called for an independent investigation into the matter.

The deceased was among three suspects earlier arrested by EFCC operatives on April 28, 2026, over alleged cybercrime-related offences.

The Benue State Police Command had earlier confirmed that Sesugh died during a gunfire exchange involving EFCC operatives and suspected cultists in Makurdi.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, the suspects – James Onuh, Atser Sesugh, and Solomon Aondoakura Orhena – allegedly escaped from EFCC custody on May 4 and went into hiding.

Edet explained that acting on credible intelligence, EFCC operatives stormed a suspected hideout behind Mechanic Village in Kanshio, Makurdi, on May 23 after reports that the fleeing suspects had been sighted in the area.

She said upon arrival, the operatives encountered suspected cultists who opened fire on them, leading to an exchange of gunfire before the attackers fled.

According to her, during a retreat from the scene, the operatives discovered Sesugh lying in a pool of blood by the roadside.

He was reportedly rushed to the Police Cottage Hospital in Makurdi, where he was confirmed dead.

The police further stated that the corpse had been deposited at the mortuary of the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH) for preservation and autopsy.

The command also said the Commissioner of Police had directed the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

However, the EFCC account has been strongly disputed by the family of the deceased, who insist that Sesugh had been granted bail and was not among those who escaped custody.

His mother, Mrs Jennifer Asar, alleged that her son was killed by an EFCC operative and called for justice from the Benue State Government.

She said she was not officially informed of her son’s death and only heard about the incident from neighbours.

Mrs Asar maintained that her son was a hardworking teenager who engaged in construction work and apprenticeship to support the family.

She also alleged that her son told her before his death that he had been arrested and later released on bail by EFCC operatives.

According to her, the family is still in shock and has not been allowed access to the deceased’s body.

Also speaking, Philip Udo, a furniture maker and apprenticeship master of the deceased, described Sesugh as disciplined, honest, and committed.

Udo alleged that EFCC operatives, acting undercover, invited the deceased and his friend to a location before an incident that led to his death.

He further claimed that the agency had earlier released the boy on bail but retained his mobile phone pending payment of N100,000.

He called for an independent investigation, insisting that Sesugh was not a criminal and had no criminal record.

Similarly, the proprietress of New Educational Teaching Academic College, Makurdi, Mrs Mimido Aondoana, described the late Sesugh as an obedient student who had resumed his education part-time due to financial constraints.

She said the deceased’s mother had enrolled him in the school and was paying his fees in instalments from her small business proceeds.

Meanwhile, concerned residents and human rights advocates have called for a transparent and independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, describing it as a possible case of extrajudicial killing.