By Soni Daniel and Luminous Jannamike, Abuja
Two officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Assistant Superintendent Apata Oluwaseun Odunayo and Inspector Ogbuji Titu Tochukwu have been accused of killing a fellow officer, Inspector Abel Isah Dickson.
According to the Executive Chairman of EFCC, Abdulrasheed Bawa, the incident occurred when the trio had a disagreement over the procedures for the custody of items belonging to a suspect in detention.
Briefing journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, Bawa revealed that the altercation between the officials resulted in a physical fight, which led to the death of Inspector Dickson.
He added that the incident has not only been reported to the police authorities, and the two officials involved taken into custody for further investigation and possible prosecution, the suspects have been suspended from the Commission pending the outcome of the investigation.
He said, “Gentlemen of the press, we have invited you this morning to brief you about an unfortunate incident that happened at our Sokoto Zonal Command, which is suspected to have led to the death of one of our young officers, Inspector of the EFCC, Abel Isah Dickson.
“The officer passed away on May 7, 2023, at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto where he was receiving treatment for injuries he sustained, two days earlier, in a scuffle with two other staff: Assistant Superintendent of EFCC, Apata Oluwaseun Odunayo and Inspector of EFCC, Ogbuji Titu Tochukwu.
“They had disagreed over procedures for the custody of items belonging to a suspect in detention, leading to a fight, a conduct which the Commission frowns at.
“The two officers with whom he had a disagreement have been suspended by the Commission and handed over to the Nigeria Police for further investigation and possible prosecution.
“The latest information is that a two-count charge bordering on criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide has been filed against them at a Chief Magistrate Court, Gwiwa in Sokoto, Both offences are punishable under Sections 60 and 191 of the Sokoto State Penal Code Low, 2019.
“Without prejudice to the Police investigation, they will in addition, face further disciplinary measures in line with the Commission’s staff regulation..”
The EFCC Chairman, who was represented by Wilson Uwujaren, expressed his condolences to the family of the deceased officer and assured the public that the Commission will do everything within its power to ensure that justice is served.
He equally warned staff of the Commission to ensure that their conduct at all times is moderated by the established code of behaviour as no act of indiscipline would be tolerated.
The remains of the late officer were interred on Saturday, May 13, 2023 in Jos, Plateau State.
Meanwhile, sources at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja, who decried the incident, said it was unheard of in the history of the Commission.
One source, who did not want his name published because of the sensitivity of the matter, described the late Inspector Dickson as “a dedicated and hardworking officer who was committed to the fight against corruption.”
Source: Vanguard
