SOKOTO, Nigeria – An Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, inspector, Abel Isah Dickson, died on May 7, 2023, after sustaining injuries from a scuffle with two fellow agents.
The altercation reportedly stemmed from a disagreement regarding the proper procedure for handling items collected from a suspect in detention, including medications and cash.
Assistant Superintendent of EFCC, Apata Oluwaseun Odunayo, and Inspector of EFCC, Ogbuji Titu Tochukwu, have since been arraigned in a Sokoto court for culpable homicide.
In a public briefing, the Head of Media and Publicity of EFCC, Wilson Uwujaren, confirmed the incident on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, and announced the suspension of the two involved officers.
Uwujaren recounted the events, stating, “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.”
Chairman of the commission, Abdulrasheed Bawa, has vowed to see that justice is served, promising to “leave no stone unturned” in the pursuit of accountability for the officers involved in Dickson’s death.
This high-profile case has shaken the EFCC to its core, as it brings to light concerns regarding internal discord and adherence to proper procedure within the organization.
The commission is now under increased scrutiny as the investigation unfolds, with many questioning the integrity of an agency meant to combat economic and financial crimes.
