By Nkechi Eze
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is mourning the tragic loss of Assistant Superintendent Aminu Sahabi Salisu, who was brutally killed on January 17, 2025, while performing his duties by a suspected internet fraudster identified as Joshua Chukwubueze Ikechukwu.
A statement made available to newsmen by the commission’s spokesman Dele Oyewale states that; “the Commission views with great concern the irresponsible, callous, inhuman and outrageous narratives being circulated on social media on the whys and wherefores of the fatal accident. It is heinous to reduce the death of a gallant officer who was carrying out patriotic and official duties to social media razzmatazz.
“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 rationalize 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, alongside other investigators of the EFCC, were at Dr. J.O. Ukwutinife Close, Ifite, Awka, Anambra State, to arrest some suspected internet fraudsters in the early hours of January 17. The operation was duly documented at the Anambra State Command Headquarters and Area Command of the Nigeria Police in line with operational protocols.
“The operation was initially smooth sailing with 37 suspected internet fraudsters already arrested at a two-storey building housing Ikechukwu and other occupants of the house.
“However, Ikechukwu, who sighted the investigators through a CCTV Camera mounted at his doorpost and who also confessed sighting them, declined to open his door for the investigators who politely demanded entrance to his apartment. Defying all the introduction and physical sighting of the investigators, he resorted to firing shots at them and killed Salisu in the process and wounded another officer detailed to conduct a search in his apartment.
According to Dele, 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.
The EFCC also wishes to alert the public that internet fraudsters’ activities are increasingly posing significant threats to public safety and security. Intelligence reports indicate that these individuals are engaging in armed violence, kidnapping, banditry, ritual killings, and other heinous crimes. The public is urged to remain vigilant and not underestimate the severity of these crimes, recognizing that they extend far beyond mere cyber fraud.
As for the EFCC, every subsequent attack on any of its 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. As a law enforcement agency of repute, the EFCC is unrelenting in riding the nation of internet fraud and other acts of corruption.
While mourning the loss of its officer who paid the supreme price in the service of the nation, the Commission grateful for the overwhelming support and condolences received from partner agencies and individuals following the tragic incident. The Commission also appreciates the swift response and solidarity shown by well-wishers during this difficult time.
