In a tragic turn of events, Assistant Superintendent of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Halisu Sahabi, was shot and killed while leading a raid against suspected internet fraudsters in Awka, Anambra State. The 31-year-old was fatally wounded by a gunman during an early morning operation on Friday, January 17, 2025. The suspect, a medical doctor named Chukwuka Josiah Ikechukwu Nnamdi, allegedly opened fire on the operatives, killing Sahabi and injuring another officer before fleeing the scene. Sahabi, who had been planning his wedding after the upcoming Ramadan season, was laid to rest in his home state of Sokoto, in accordance with Islamic rites.
A Mission Cut Short: The Raid That Turned Deadly
Sahabi and his team were dispatched by the EFCC’s Enugu Zonal Command to apprehend a group of suspected internet fraudsters, often referred to as “yahoo boys,” operating in Awka. The team had successfully raided one location, arresting several suspects and seizing items such as luxury vehicles and credit cards. However, complications arose when the team was delayed by local police, who claimed the EFCC operatives had not sought prior permission to conduct the raid in their jurisdiction.
Despite these delays, the EFCC team moved forward with their operation and eventually arrived at a second location, a complex of multiple apartments. According to sources within the EFCC, the operatives approached the door of a person of interest, but the gatekeeper refused to open, suspecting they might be robbers or kidnappers. When the suspect inside failed to respond, the EFCC team forced their way in. That’s when gunfire erupted, and Sahabi was struck.
The Deadly Encounter: Gunshots and Escape
According to police sources, Nnamdi, the medical doctor who shot Sahabi, claimed that the gunfire was an act of self-defense. The suspect allegedly used a short pump-action gun, which he later discarded in a nearby bush after the attack. Authorities arrested him after finding him hiding in the ceiling of a neighboring apartment. The suspect’s father, who reportedly owns the firearm, later came forward to support his son’s self-defense claim.
However, the police and EFCC operatives are treating the incident as a murder. Nnamdi, currently detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), faces charges of murder and illegal possession of a firearm. A top police official revealed that Nnamdi had been hiding in the ceiling for hours, attempting to evade arrest before his capture.
Sahabi, despite being rushed to the General Hospital in Awka for medical attention, succumbed to his injuries. Attempts to transfer him to another hospital were unsuccessful as the first responders faced delays and inadequate resources. At Amaco Hospital, the attending physician confirmed his death, though the second officer who was injured in the hand survived.
A Family’s Loss: Planning for a Future Never Realized
The tragic death of Sahabi has left his family and colleagues in shock. A family source revealed that Sahabi had been looking forward to a life of happiness, planning to marry in the year after the next Ramadan. The young officer’s promising future was tragically cut short while on duty, protecting the public from internet fraudsters.
“He was supposed to marry after the fasting season next year. He had his life ahead of him. It’s heartbreaking,” said a close family member, who spoke with SaharaReporters on the condition of anonymity.
Sahabi’s burial took place in Sokoto State, where he was honored with a dignified Islamic funeral. The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, is said to have visited Awka to facilitate the transportation of Sahabi’s body to Sokoto, underscoring the significance of the loss. The EFCC community has expressed deep sorrow at the untimely passing of one of their own, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the fight against cybercrime.
The Aftermath: Investigations and Accountability
The incident has sent ripples through the law enforcement and justice communities, highlighting the dangers faced by operatives in the line of duty. While the suspect remains in police custody, further investigations are underway. The Anambra State Police Command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed that authorities are gathering all necessary evidence. “Investigation into the sad incident is ongoing. The suspect is in custody, and the firearm has been recovered. Further details shall be communicated, please,” he stated.
The tragic loss also raises concerns about the safety of EFCC operatives in the field. According to sources, the team had no bulletproof vests during the raid, relying solely on their EFCC-branded jackets for protection. This oversight has prompted questions about the adequacy of protective measures for operatives tackling dangerous criminals in volatile situations.
A Broader Concern: Safety of Law Enforcement Officers
The death of Sahabi has once again put a spotlight on the dangerous nature of law enforcement operations, particularly those targeting cybercriminals. While internet fraud and cybercrime continue to grow in Nigeria, law enforcement officers like Sahabi often face significant risks in their fight against these crimes. Many have called for better security measures and equipment for officers engaged in high-risk operations.
In the case of the Awka raid, the lack of proper protective gear for the operatives is particularly troubling. Had the officers been equipped with bulletproof vests, it’s possible that Sahabi’s life could have been spared. As the EFCC and the Nigerian police continue to address these concerns, it remains to be seen what changes will be made to ensure the safety of those on the frontlines of the fight against crime.
