A man identified as Endurance Udeke, a resident of Periwinkle Estate in Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, has died following an alleged failed attempt to evade arrest during a sting operation by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The EFCC confirmed the incident in a statement on Saturday, saying the operation — conducted on November 4 — was targeted at suspected internet fraudsters within the upscale estate.
According to the agency, four suspects were arrested during the operation. However, Udeke and another resident of an apartment identified as W6a reportedly attempted to escape upon learning of the presence of EFCC operatives.
“Udeke and one other resident of apartment W6a got wind of the operation and tried to escape arrest by jumping down from the four-storey building,” the EFCC said. “Udeke did not survive the suicidal effort, in spite of medical interventions made to rescue him.”
The commission said the other resident survived after receiving medical treatment and has since been stabilised.
EFCC clarified that there was no direct contact between its officers and Udeke before the incident occurred, describing his action as “shocking” and “tragic.”
“The Commission is shocked at the suicidal action of the deceased. There was no contact between officers of the Commission and the deceased before the unfortunate incident,” the statement added.
The agency said it has reported the matter to the police, which has since commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Udeke’s death.
The EFCC also urged members of the public to remain calm and law-abiding during its operations, stressing that “no one with nothing to hide has reason to be afraid of EFCC sting operations.”
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