Halisu Sahabi, an Assistant Superintendent of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), was laid to rest in Sokoto State after being fatally shot during a raid in Awka, Anambra State.
The operation targeted suspected internet fraudsters, and the tragic incident has drawn widespread attention.
Sources close to Sahabi’s family disclosed that he had been making plans to get married after the next fasting season before his untimely death.
The Anambra State Police Command confirmed the arrest of the suspect, identified as a medical doctor from Ifite, Awka.
Police sources revealed that Dr. Nnamdi was apprehended while hiding in the ceiling of a neighbor’s house.
“He was arrested by the police and EFCC operatives in the ceiling of his neighbour’s room. After shooting the EFCC officer, he discarded the weapon, a pump-action gun reportedly licensed to his father, into the bush,” a police source stated.
The suspect’s father later visited the police station, claiming the shooting was in self-defence.
Family sources explained that Halisu was fatally shot when his team tried to apprehend the suspect, who had initially refused to open the door of his residence.
“Salisu died tragically in the line of duty. He was among the team sent to confront suspected internet fraudsters without bulletproof vests, only wearing EFCC-branded jackets,” a family member said.
The raid had been organized by the EFCC’s Enugu Zonal Command. According to insiders, the operatives initially made successful arrests, recovering credit cards and luxury vehicles. However, complications arose when they attempted to access the suspect’s apartment, as he reportedly mistook them for robbers or kidnappers.
When the suspect refused to cooperate, the EFCC operatives forced entry into his apartment, prompting the suspect to open fire. The gunfire hit Sahabi, who was critically injured, and another officer who sustained a hand injury.
The injured operatives were rushed to a nearby general hospital in Awka, but no doctor was on duty. They were directed to a private hospital, where Sahabi was pronounced dead.
Police spokesperson SP Tochukwu Ikenga confirmed the incident, stating that investigations were ongoing. “The suspect is in custody, and the firearm has been recovered. Further details will be shared as investigations progress,” Ikenga said.
(SAHARAREPORTERS)
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