Two officers of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Apata Odunayo and Ogbuji Tochukwu have been arrested for killing their colleague over valuable items and property seized from a suspect in detention.

The Commission in a statement issued Tuesday said the arrested staff were stationed at its Sokoto Zonal Command.

The anti-graft agency noted that the suspects have been suspended by the commission and handed over to the police for further investigation and possible prosecution.

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The said officers, Assistant Superintendent Apata Oluwaseun Odunayo and Inspector Ogbuji Titu Tochukwu, allegedly conspired and inflicted heavy injuries on their colleague, Inspector Abel Isah Dickson, who later died at the hospital on May 7.

The Executive Chairman of EFCC, Abdulrasheed Bawa confirmed the development to journalists on Tuesday.

He disclosed that a two-count charge of culpable homicide has been filed against the duo.

The late officer was buried on Saturday, May 13, 2023, in Jos, Plateau State.

Bawa said: “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 holding 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 Law, 2019.”

He, further noted that without prejudice to the police investigation, they will, in addition, face further disciplinary measures in line with the commission’s staff regulation.