Salisu, an operative of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), who was shot dead by suspected fraudsters, commonly known as “Yahoo boys” in the Awka region of Anambra State has been flown to Sokoto State for burial.
To ensure that the EFCC agent was transported to Sokoto State for burial in accordance with Islamic customs, Lt Gen Olufemi Oluyede, the Chief of Army Staff, reportedly travelled to Awka, the capital of Anambra State.
According to a top source who spoke to the media on Saturday, “The police in Awka delayed and obstructed the EFCC agents when they arrested the first group of suspected “yahoo guys” because they claimed they had not obtained clearance to conduct such an operation before entering their territory.
The attack and killing of the EFCC operative happened around 4am on Friday. The EFCC operative is being flown to Sokoto for burial according to Islamic rites.”
“The Chief of Army staff reportedly visited Awka to arrange for transportation of his body and pressure the Nigerian police to act.”
Ireport247news had reported that the officers were on a mission to apprehend a group of suspected cybercriminals when they were attacked on Friday morning.
On Saturday, a top source told press that they arrived Awka very early to the first home of suspected fraudsters, successfully raided and arrested several persons with exhibits, including credit cards and four luxurious vehicles.
“They then set out to visit another location but reportedly found that they were short-staffed and relocated to a smaller location.
“Upon arriving there, it was a location with several apartments. So they told the gatemen to point them to the place of the person they suspected.
“He refused to open his door, apparently suspecting they might be robbers or kidnappers.
“The person of interest refused to open his door asking who they were to which they responded they were EFCC operatives.”
“The EFCC team proceeded to break into his apartment and the suspect opened fire on the lead person; an EFCC operative known as Salisu.
“He was seriously injured, but still alive with a second operative injured in his left hand. The operatives rushed the operative to a hospital. They arrived at the General Hospital in Awka but there were no doctors. Only two hospital nurses were around who advised them to look for a private hospital,” the top source had narrated further.
After that, the EFCC agents travelled to Amaco Hospital, where the on-duty physician pronounced the EFCC agent deceased.
He acknowledged the injured EFCC patient’s condition, but stated that a blood transfusion was necessary for his treatment.
“All the EFCC operatives dispatched to the night operation had no bulletproof vest just their branded EFCC jackets.”
After confirming the incident, the Anambra State Police Command spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, had stated that investigations were underway.
“Investigation into the sad incident is ongoing. The suspect is in custody, and the firearm has been recovered. Further details shall be communicated, please,” Ikenga said.