The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has raised an alarm over the growing involvement of internet fraudsters in violent criminal activities, warning that they are no longer limited to online scams but are increasingly armed and engaged in more serious crimes such as kidnapping, ritual killings, and banditry....Read Full Article >>➤
This is contained in a statement posted on the EFCC’s X (formerly Twitter) page on Sunday and signed by its Head of Media & Publicity, Dele Oyewale.
This comes in the wake of the tragic death of one of its officers, ASE II Aminu Sahabi Salisu, during an operation in Anambra State. The Commission underscored that these individuals, commonly referred to as “Yahoo boys and girls,” are now part of a dangerous, well-armed network that poses significant threats to public safety.
The statement read in full: “The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, expresses grief on the loss of one of its officers, Assistant Superintendent of the EFCC, ASE II Aminu Sahabi Salisu who was killed in cold blood while on a legitimate duty on January 17, 2025, by a suspected internet fraudster, Joshua Chukwubueze Ikechukwu.
“Additionally, 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 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, 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.
“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 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.’
“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 appreciates the invaluable support, condolences and prompt response of sister agencies and well-meaning individuals standing shoulder toto shoulder with it at this trying time.”
…Mixed reactions trail death of officer in Anambra
Meanwhile, netizens on the X platform (formerly Twitter) expressed their opinions on the legitimacy of the operation and questioned the circumstances surrounding the incident.
One user, @EZECUTIVE, extended condolences, but also raised a critical point: “The EFCC goes against itself with its release here. The commission has banned STING OPERATIONS AT NIGHT. Then, why did Salisu and his team embark on such an operation?”
Other reactions from social media users varied, with some defending the actions of the suspect, Joshua Chukwubueze Ikechukwu, who allegedly shot Salisu during the raid.
@millionaire_bussinessman argued, “This guy’s death is a painful one but stop painting it as if it was a gruesome murder. The other guy acted in self-preservation of himself and his family. He’s a licensed rifle owner.”
In contrast, @Zakariya Abubakar criticised those pushing the self-defense narrative, claiming they were either involved in fraudulent activities or motivated by personal biases: “Many of those pushing the self-defense narrative are either involved in fraudulent activities or are motivated by the victim’s background. That’s why they’re doing everything possible to justify his murder.”
Another user, @Austine_not_JayJay, raised concerns about ethnic representation within the EFCC, asking, “Is that why almost all the EFCC officials are from the North? So they could oppress the South Easterners?”
Meanwhile, @SamuelIse3 advocated for better training and more respectful methods for conducting raids, suggesting that “You can’t just bust into someone’s house at night without proper invitation. In a civilized world, respect is very important.”
He contrasted Nigerian law enforcement with more regulated practices in other countries, such as Italy, where police are held to stricter standards during operations.
Some users, like @001lordless, questioned the legitimacy of the EFCC’s actions, asserting, “Do you know I can sue you to prove that the guy was actually on official duty? Officials should have a warrant of arrest! What actually made it official duty?”
Also, @OjukwuWils17544 echoed concerns about the EFCC’s protocol, writing, “The same EFCC outlawed sting operations at wee hours, so how could he have been performing his lawful duties at 3 a.m. by breaking into a citizen’s family house?” ...Read Full Article >>➤
Be the first to comment