A grieving mother in Makurdi has accused operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of killing her son shortly after he was released on bail, sharply contradicting the agency’s account that he died during a gun battle with suspected criminals.
The incident, which reportedly occurred on May 23, 2026, in the Kanshio area of the Benue State capital, has sparked outrage and renewed scrutiny of law enforcement conduct. The deceased, identified as Sesugh Atsar, had earlier been detained by EFCC officials over alleged fraud before being granted bail, according to his family.
His mother alleges that plainclothes operatives later lured her son to a hotel under unclear circumstances. “They called him out, chased him, and shot him at close range,” she said in an emotional account, insisting her son was unarmed and posed no threat. She further denied claims that Atsar had confessed to fraud or had any links to cult activities.
The EFCC, however, has offered a markedly different version of events. In a statement, the agency said Atsar had previously escaped from custody weeks earlier alongside two other suspects. Officials claimed he was part of a group that opened fire on operatives during a raid, prompting a shootout in which he was fatally wounded.
“He was rushed to a hospital but later succumbed to his injuries,” an EFCC spokesperson said, maintaining that the operation followed standard procedure in response to armed resistance.
The conflicting accounts have deepened tensions, with local residents and civil society groups calling for an independent and transparent investigation. Legal analysts note that such cases often hinge on forensic evidence, eyewitness testimony, and adherence to arrest and detention protocols.
Authorities say the police have begun an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the death. Meanwhile, the family says they are still awaiting the release of Atsar’s body for burial, a delay that has compounded their grief.
Human rights advocates warn that the case underscores broader concerns about accountability within Nigeria’s security agencies. “When there are two completely opposing narratives, the burden is on the state to provide clarity backed by credible evidence,” said a Lagos-based rights lawyer.
As investigations continue, the case is likely to remain in the public spotlight, with many Nigerians demanding answers, and justice, over what exactly happened in Kanshio that day.