In a tragic incident at the Sokoto Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), two employees, Apata Odunayo and Ogbuji Tochukwu, have been detained and accused of killing their younger colleague, Abel Isah. The suspects were involved in a fight that led to the untimely demise of the cadet, as reported by the EFCC.
According to the official statement made by Wilson Uwujaren, the spokesperson for EFCC, the arrested individuals are facing charges of criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide. They have been suspended from their positions and handed over to the police for further investigation and potential legal action.
The incident unfolded at the Chief Magistrate Court in Gwiwa, Sokoto, where the suspects appeared for the charges. Sources reveal that the fatal altercation occurred when senior colleagues Odunayo and Tochukwu assaulted Isah for refusing to sign off on incomplete exhibits seized from a fraud suspect. The deceased was allegedly subjected to a brutal beating before being taken to the hospital, where he tragically succumbed to his injuries.
Addressing the press at the EFCC headquarters in the Federal Capital Territory, Uwujaren provided more details on the matter. He confirmed that Isah passed away while receiving medical treatment for wounds sustained during the fight with his colleagues, Odunayo and Tochukwu.
Uwujaren expressed the EFCC’s deep regret over the incident and extended heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased officer. He assured the public that the agency would cooperate fully with the investigation and ensure that those responsible for the killing face justice.
The EFCC’s Executive Chairman, Abdulrasheed Bawa, emphasized the importance of adhering to the established code of conduct within the organization and warned against any acts of indiscipline. The commission intends to implement additional disciplinary actions against the involved employees, following its staff regulations.
On May 7, 2023, Inspector Abel Isah tragically lost his life at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital in Sokoto, where he was being treated for injuries sustained two days prior. The commission has suspended the two officers involved in the altercation and handed them over to the Nigerian police for further inquiry and potential legal consequences.
As the investigation unfolds, a two-count holding charge has been filed against the suspects at the Chief Magistrate Court in Gwiwa, Sokoto. The charges are related to criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide, punishable under Sections 60 and 191 of the 2019 Sokoto State Penal Code Law.
The deceased officer was laid to rest on May 13, 2023, in Jos, Plateau state, with the EFCC and its chairman reaffirming their commitment to ensuring justice for the tragic loss of life.