Monday, November 10, 2025 - The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has provided details surrounding the incident that led to the de@th of Lagos resident, Endurance Udeke, during a sting operation at Periwinkle Estate, Lekki Phase 1, on Tuesday, November 4.
In a statement on Saturday, the Commission’s Head of Media
and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, described the incident as “unfortunate” and
attributed the tragedy to what he called the “suicidal action” of the deceased.
“The Commission feels obliged to clear the air on the
circumstances leading to the passing of citizen Endurance Udeke, a resident of
apartment W6a, Periwinkle Estate, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos,” Oyewale stated.
According to the EFCC, operatives were in the estate to
arrest suspected internet fraudsters.
The operation reportedly proceeded without incident until
Udeke and another resident attempted to evade arrest.
“The operation was smooth sailing in all the apartments and
four suspected internet fraudsters were arrested,” the statement said.
“However, Udeke and one other resident of apartment W6a got
wind of the operation and tried to escape arrest by jumping down from the
four-storey building.”
Oyewale disclosed that Udeke did not survive the fall
despite medical attempts to revive him.
“Udeke did not survive the suicidal efforts, in spite of
medical interventions made to rescue him,” he said.
He added that the second resident survived after being
stabilised and treated at the hospital.
The Commission said it had contacted Udeke’s family to
explain what occurred and the steps taken to save his life.
“As a responsible law enforcement agency, the Commission
contacted Udeke’s family with details of the circumstances leading to his
de@th. Efforts and medical interventions made to ensure his survival before his
eventual passing were appreciated by the family,” Oyewale noted.
He stressed that EFCC operatives had no physical contact
with Udeke before he jumped.
“The Commission is shocked at the suicidal action of the
deceased. There was no contact between officers of the Commission and the
deceased before the unfortunate incident,” he said.
Oyewale said the EFCC had reported the incident to the
Nigeria Police Force, which has since commenced investigations.
“The Commission reported the incident to the Police, which
has begun an investigation into the incident,” he added.
He urged members of the public not to panic during EFCC
raids, saying only those with criminal concerns have reason to be afraid.
“While we await the outcome of the investigation, it is
important to remind the public that no one with nothing to hide has reason to
be afraid of EFCC sting operation,” he stated.
The incident has sparked public debate, with many calling
for impartial investigations to establish the full circumstances surrounding
Udeke’s de@th.
0 Comments