Suspected Yahoo Boy Gun Down EFCC Official in Anambra

A botched arrest operation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Awka, Anambra State, has resulted in the tragic death of one of its officers. The incident occurred in the early hours of Friday, January 17, 2025, when EFCC operatives stormed a residence, allegedly without proper identification, prompting the suspect to open fire.

According to eyewitnesses, the suspect, who claimed to have mistaken the EFCC operatives for thieves, fired his licensed pump-action gun, hitting one officer in the hand and another in the stomach. The latter succumbed to his injuries on the spot. Both the suspect and the injured EFCC officer are currently in police custody, with the officer reportedly in critical condition at an undisclosed hospital.

The deceased EFCC officer, an assistant superintendent, had recently completed a promotional examination and was scheduled to tie the knot in two weeks. His untimely death has sent shockwaves through the community, with many calling for a reevaluation of the EFCC's arrest protocols to prevent similar tragedies.

The Anambra State Police Command has confirmed the incident, with spokesman SP Tochukwu Ikenga stating that an investigation is underway. "Investigation into the sad incident is ongoing. The suspect is in custody while the arm has been recovered. Further details shall be communicated, please," Ikenga said.

As the investigation unfolds, questions surrounding the EFCC's operational procedures and the suspect's claims of self-defense are likely to come under scrutiny. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks and challenges faced by law enforcement personnel in the line of duty.