A wave of sorrow has swept through the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) following the killing of Assistant Superintendent of the EFCC (ASE II) Aminu Sahabi Salisu. The tragic incident occurred on Friday in Awka, Anambra State, when Salisu was allegedly shot by a suspected internet fraudster, identified as Joshua Chukwubueze Ikechukwu.
The EFCC, in a statement signed by its Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, described Salisu as a diligent and courageous officer who lost his life while carrying out legitimate duties. The agency strongly condemned social media narratives that trivialized the tragedy, insisting there was no justification for what it termed a “callous” and “heinous” act.
According to preliminary investigations, Salisu and his team had secured approval from the Anambra State Police Command and were on an early-morning operation to apprehend suspected internet fraudsters at a residential building on Dr. J.O. Ukwutinife Close, Ifite, Awka. The team had arrested 37 suspects before approaching the apartment of Ikechukwu, who allegedly opened fire with a long double-barrel gun, killing Salisu and wounding another officer.
The EFCC revealed that items retrieved from Ikechukwu’s apartment included laptops, iPads, and recording devices, all linked to questionable online activities. Although currently in police custody for homicide, the suspect is also expected to face cybercrime charges.
The commission cautioned against undermining its officers’ sacrifices, warning that internet fraudsters, often dismissed as ‘Yahoo boys,’ pose serious security risks. Officials cited evidence that some are now armed and engaging in violent crimes. The EFCC vowed to press forward with its anti-corruption mandate, pledging that any attack on its personnel will be met with the full force of the law.
