A suspected internet fraudster accused of killing Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) operative Halisu Sahabi during a raid in Awka, Anambra State, has spoken.
The suspect, Joshua Chukwubueze Ikechukwu, was apprehended on Saturday, made contradictory statements during interrogation on Sunday night.
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Anambra State earlier on Monday also denied that the suspect is a medical doctor.
Dr Obiaeli Ifeanyi, State Secretary of the NMA, refuted media reports linking the suspect to the medical profession.
The NMA said the suspect is not a member of the Awka zone of the association.
Similarly, police sources who spoke to SaharaReporters revealed that the suspect confessed on Sunday night that he falsely identified as a doctor because “people call him ‘Doctor’.”
He also recanted an earlier claim that the gun used in the incident was licensed to his father, stating instead that someone else gave him the weapon.
“The suspect has recanted. He told the police by last night that he claimed he was a doctor to them because people call him ‘Doctor,’” one of the police sources said.
“And so far, the suspect has not been able to provide the licence of the gun used despite his initial claim that it was licensed to his father. He is now claiming someone gave him the gun, and not his father.”
According to police sources, the father of the suspect, who initially claimed ownership of the gun, also refused to put his statement in writing when asked by the police.
“At first, the father who rushed to the SCID (State Criminal Investigation Department) to get him bail claimed the gun belongs to him. But when the police told the father to put it in writing, he refused to do so,” another source said.
The NMA condemned attempts to tarnish the reputation of medical professionals, urging media organisations and the EFCC to retract defamatory publications referring to the suspect as a doctor.
Sahabi, an Assistant Superintendent of the EFCC, was fatally shot during a sting operation in Awka, Anambra State on Friday and buried in Sokoto State. The suspect was arrested while hiding in a neighbour’s ceiling.
In a press statement signed by the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, the Commission expressed grief over the loss of Salisu, who was killed while performing his legitimate duties. The statement condemned the false narratives circulating on social media regarding the incident, describing them as irresponsible and insensitive.
“It is heinous to reduce the death of a gallant officer who was carrying out patriotic and official duties to social media razzmatazz. The milk of human kindness demands that a grieving family, Commission, and nation should be spared the shenanigans of false narratives,” the statement read.
Salisu and other EFCC operatives were on a mission to apprehend suspected internet fraudsters at a two-storey building located on Dr. J.O. Ukwutinife Close, Ifite.
According to the Commission, 37 suspects had already been arrested when Ikechukwu, who monitored the operatives via a CCTV camera at his door, refused to open his apartment
Despite the investigators introducing themselves and seeking entry, Ikechukwu reportedly opened fire, killing Salisu and injuring another officer.
Preliminary investigations revealed that Ikechukwu was involved in questionable activities, including coding and online medical supplies. The EFCC disclosed that two laptops, iPads, and recording devices were recovered from his apartment, and his involvement in internet fraud has been established.
Ikechukwu is currently in police custody and will face prosecution for his actions.
The EFCC also raised concerns about the growing dangers posed by internet fraudsters, warning that many are now resorting to violent and criminal activities such as kidnapping, ritual killings, and banditry.
“The public should not fold its arms or allow itself to be deceived that they are mere ‘Yahoo boys and girls.’ These criminals are a serious threat to public safety,” the EFCC cautioned.
The Commission assured Nigerians that it remains committed to combating corruption and cybercrime, vowing to respond decisively to any future attacks on its officers.
