EFCC Reacts After Suspect Dies Jumping From Four-Storey Building During Raid in Lekki

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reacted to the tragic death of Endurance Udeke, a Lagos resident who reportedly jumped from a four-storey building in a desperate attempt to evade arrest during a sting operation at Periwinkle Estate, Lekki Phase 1, on Tuesday, November 4.

In a statement released on Saturday, the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, described the incident as “unfortunate,” attributing it to what he called the “suicidal action” of the deceased.

“The Commission feels obliged to clear the air on the circumstances leading to the passing of citizen Endurance Udeke, a resident of apartment W6a, Periwinkle Estate, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos,” Oyewale said.

According to the EFCC, operatives were at the estate to arrest suspected internet fraudsters, and the operation had been going smoothly until Udeke and another occupant of the same apartment tried to flee by jumping from the building.

“The operation was smooth sailing in all the apartments and four suspected internet fraudsters were arrested. However, Udeke and one other resident of apartment W6a got wind of the operation and tried to escape arrest by jumping down from the four-storey building,” the statement read.

Sadly, Udeke did not survive the fall, despite what the EFCC said were efforts to revive him through medical intervention. His companion, however, survived and is said to be recovering after being treated and stabilised at the hospital.

Oyewale emphasized that EFCC operatives had no physical contact with Udeke before his fatal jump.

“There was no contact between officers of the Commission and the deceased before the unfortunate incident,” he said, adding that the Commission had already reached out to Udeke’s family to explain what happened and the steps taken to save his life.

The EFCC also confirmed that the case has been formally reported to the Nigeria Police Force, which has begun an investigation into the matter.

“As a responsible law enforcement agency, the Commission reported the incident to the Police, which has begun an investigation,” Oyewale stated.

He urged Nigerians not to panic during EFCC operations, stressing that the agency only targets individuals involved in criminal activities.

“No one with nothing to hide has any reason to be afraid of EFCC sting operations,” he added.

The tragic incident has since stirred public debate, with many Nigerians calling for a transparent and independent investigation to uncover the full circumstances surrounding Udeke’s death.