In a tragic incident, Inspector Abel Isah Dickson of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) passed away following a scuffle with two of his colleagues over items confiscated from a suspect in Sokoto State. The items in question included medications and cash. The EFCC has identified the colleagues involved as Assistant Superintendent of EFCC Apata Oluwaseun Odunayo and Inspector of EFCC Ogbuji Titu Tochukwu. Both have been arrested and arraigned in a Sokoto court on charges of culpable homicide.
EFCC spokesperson Wilson Uwujaren expressed the EFCC chairman Abdulrasheed Bawa’s determination to ensure that the erring officers face justice. The affected officers have been suspended while investigations continue. Uwujaren stated that Bawa was deeply saddened by the incident and extended his condolences to the bereaved family. He emphasized that the commission will spare no effort in bringing those responsible for the officer’s death to justice.
Uwujaren further warned EFCC staff to uphold the established code of behavior and emphasized that acts of indiscipline will not be tolerated. The late officer, Inspector Abel Isah Dickson, was laid to rest on May 13, 2023, in Jos, Plateau State.
During a press briefing, Uwujaren provided details of the incident. Inspector Dickson passed away on May 7, 2023, at the Usmanu DanFodiyo University Teaching Hospital in Sokoto, where he was receiving treatment for injuries sustained during the scuffle with his colleagues. The disagreement arose from differing procedures regarding the custody of items belonging to a detained suspect. The commission strongly disapproves of such conduct, leading to the suspension of the two officers involved. They have been handed over to the Nigeria Police for further investigation and potential prosecution.
Uwujaren revealed that a two-count holding charge, based on criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide, has been filed against the suspended officers at the Chief Magistrate Court in Gwiwa, Sokoto. These charges fall under Sections 60 and 191 of the Sokoto State Penal Code Law, 2019. While the police conduct their investigation, the officers will also face additional disciplinary measures in accordance with the commission’s staff regulations.