EFCC Under Scrutiny After Man Dies While Fleeing Lekki Raid

Tension has gripped the Lekki area of Lagos following the death of a man, Endurance Udeke, who jumped from a four-storey building during a raid by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The anti-graft agency confirmed the tragedy in a statement on Saturday, explaining that its officers had stormed Periwinkle Estate, Lekki Phase 1, on November 4, to arrest suspected internet fraudsters.

According to the EFCC, Udeke and another resident attempted to flee when they became aware of the operatives’ presence.

“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,” the statement read. “Udeke did not survive the suicidal effort, in spite of medical interventions made to rescue him.”

Officials said the second individual survived after receiving medical treatment and had since been stabilised.

The EFCC emphasised that its personnel did not engage physically with Udeke before the incident, describing his action as “tragic and unnecessary.”

“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,” the agency said.

The case has since been transferred to the police for further investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.

EFCC urged residents to remain calm, assuring that its operations follow due process. It added that members of the public have no reason to fear or resist lawful searches.

This latest incident adds to growing concerns over the agency’s enforcement methods. In September, an early-morning EFCC operation at a Lagos hotel led to the arrest of 11 people, including guests not linked to fraud, sparking public outrage.

Earlier this year, the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Ogun State accused the Commission of an unlawful invasion and demanded ₦3.5 billion in compensation.

While sympathising with Udeke’s family, the EFCC reiterated its commitment to tackling cybercrime and corruption.

“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 operations,” the statement added.