The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC), has announced the arrest and charging of two senior officers who were allegedly involved in the killing of one of its officers following a brawl over items seized from a suspect.
Last week, Sahara Reporters reported that Abel Isah, a cadet at the EFCC zonal headquarters in Sokoto state, was murdered by his superior officers for allegedly refusing to sign off on incomplete exhibits given over to him.
Confirming the report on Tuesday, the EFCC, while addressing journalists at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja, said the officer passed away on May 7, at the Usmanu DanFodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto where he was receiving treatment for injuries he sustained.
The commission also revealed that the officers involved in the assault against the late Isiah are Assistant Superintendent of EFCC, Apata Oluwaseun Odunayo and Inspector of EFCC, Ogbuji Titu Tochukwu.
The commission’s spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren, who spoke on behalf of the EFCC chairman Abdulrasheed Bawa, said the accused officers have since been suspended and subsequently arraigned in a court in Sokoto for alleged homicide.
The EFCC said the commission would leave no stone unturned in ensuring that the erring officers are brought to justice.
He said: “We have invited you this morning to brief you about an unfortunate incident that happened at our Sokoto Zonal Command, which is suspected to have led to the death of one of our young officers, Inspector of the EFCC, Abel Isah Dickson.
“The officer passed away on May 7, 2023, at the Usmanu DanFodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto where he was receiving treatment for injuries he sustained, two days earlier, in a scuffle with two other staff: Assistant Superintendent of EFCC, Apata Oluwaseun Odunayo and Inspector of EFCC, Ogbuji Titu Tochukwu. They had disagreed over procedures for the custody of items belonging to a suspect in detention, leading to a fight, a conduct which the commission frowns at.”
“They had disagreed over procedures for the custody of items belonging to a suspect in detention, leading to a fight, a conduct which the commission frowns at.
According to him, “a two count holding charge bordering on criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide has been filed against them at a Chief Magistrate Court, Gwiwa in Sokoto. Both offences are punishable under Sections 60 and 191 of the Sokoto State Penal Code Law, 2019.”
He equally warned staff of the commission to ensure that their conduct at all times is moderated by the established code of behaviour as no act of indiscipline would be tolerated.
Meanwhile, the remains of the late officer were interred on Saturday, May 13, 2023, in Jos, Plateau State.
