The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has dismissed allegations that a suspected cyber fraudster, Michael Sesugh, died in its custody at the Commission’s Makurdi Zonal Directorate in Benue State.

In a statement issued on Saturday by the EFCC Spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, the Commission explained that the deceased was found in a pool of blood at the Kansho area of Makurdi following a gun duel involving operatives of the agency and suspected cult members during an operation to re-arrest him.

According to Oyewale, operatives of the Directorate had earlier arrested 26 suspected cyber fraudsters on April 28, 2026. He stated that the suspects were profiled and detained for further investigation after the Commission obtained a remand order from a Magistrate Court.

He further disclosed that on May 4, 2026, three of the suspects requested permission to use the lavatory at the Directorate’s holding facility and were granted access. However, they allegedly took advantage of the opportunity to escape by breaking through the roof of the toilet.

“Several efforts were made to re-arrest them to no avail,” Oyewale stated.

The EFCC spokesman explained that fresh intelligence later revealed that one of the escapees, identified as Asar Michael Sesugh, was hiding in the Kansho axis of Makurdi.

“Operatives made for the location. Upon sighting the team, Sesugh and his suspected cult members opened fire on them,” the statement read.

Oyewale said EFCC operatives returned fire in self-defence, leading to an exchange of gunfire during which the suspects fled the scene.

He added that Sesugh was later discovered lying in a pool of blood by the roadside and was immediately rushed to the Police Cottage Hospital at the Police Headquarters in Makurdi, where he was confirmed dead.

The Commission said the matter had been reported to the Benue State Police Headquarters, Makurdi, adding that the Police had commenced investigations to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the suspect’s death while efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.

Oyewale also noted that preliminary findings by the Police had already been made public.

“The Commission wishes to state clearly that the dead suspect did not die in custody and was not on bail at any time,” the statement added.

While expressing condolences to the family of the deceased, the EFCC maintained that it would not tolerate attacks on its operatives or breaches of its internal security by suspects.

“The Commission assures that it will continue to act in the best interests of the nation,” the statement concluded.