The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has expressed profound grief over the death of one of its officers, Assistant Superintendent of the EFCC, Aminu Sahabi Salisu, who was killed while on duty on January 17, 2025, in Awka, Anambra state.
Salisu was reportedly shot by a suspected internet fraudster, Joshua Chukwubueze Ikechukwu, during a lawful operation.
In a press statement issued by its Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, via its official X handle, the EFCC condemned the irresponsible and outrageous narratives circulating on social media regarding the circumstances surrounding Salisu’s death.
“It is heinous to reduce the death of a gallant officer who was carrying out patriotic and official duties to social media razzmatazz,” the statement read, calling for respect and empathy for the grieving family and colleagues.
It added: “More worrisome is the fact that some faceless commentators are pitching their tents with an alleged criminal who unleashed terror on officers of the EFCC in their line of duty. There is no justification whatsoever to rationalise a murderous act. The milk of human kindness demands that a grieving family, Commission and nation should be spared the shenanigans of false narratives and conjectures on the death of the slain officer.”
Salisu and other investigators, the EFCC indicated, were on a legitimate operation to apprehend suspected internet fraudsters in the Ifite area of Awka.
The operation, duly documented with the Nigeria Police, initially led to the arrest of 37 suspects from a two-storey building.
However, Ikechukwu, who observed the EFCC team through a CCTV camera at his apartment, refused to open his door despite the officers’ polite requests. Instead, he allegedly opened fire, killing Salisu and injuring another officer.
“Preliminary investigations showed that Ikechukwu was involved in coding and online medical supplies of doubtful legitimacy. Two laptops, ipads, several recording devices were recovered from his apartment and his involvement in internet fraud is already established. Though currently in police custody owing to the murderous dimension of his case, the Commission will surely bring him to trial,” it stated.
The EFCC warned the public that the activities of internet fraudsters are becoming patently hazardous to public safety and security.
“Intelligence has shown that these criminals are carrying arms, involved in kidnapping, banditry, ritual killings and other deadly acts. The public should not fold its arms or allow itself to be deceived that they are mere “Yahoo boys and girls”,” the Commission noted.
The EFCC also vowed to take stronger measures to protect its officers and prevent future incidents.
“Every subsequent attack on any of our officers will be met with the force of the law. The Commission will not fold its arms and allow any of its officers to be killed again in cold blood,” the anti-graft agency vowed.
While mourning the loss of Salisu, described as a dedicated officer who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty, the EFCC extended its appreciation to sister agencies and well-meaning individuals who have shown support.
“The Commission appreciates the invaluable support, condolences, and prompt response of sister agencies and well-meaning individuals standing shoulder to shoulder with it at this trying time,” the statement concluded.
