In a shocking development, the Anambra State Police Command has arrested Dr. Chukwuka Josiah Ikechukwu Nnamdi, a medical doctor from Ifite, Awka, for allegedly shooting and killing Halisu Sahabi, an Assistant Superintendent of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The tragic incident occurred during an EFCC raid targeting suspected cybercriminals in Awka, Anambra State.
Dr. Nnamdi was apprehended on Saturday while hiding in the ceiling of his neighbor’s house, a desperate attempt to evade arrest. The EFCC operative, Halisu, succumbed to gunshot injuries during the raid, and his remains were transported to Sokoto State for burial in accordance with Islamic rites, reportedly facilitated by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede.
Sources revealed that the EFCC, acting on intelligence, dispatched a team from its Enugu Zonal Command to Awka on Friday morning to apprehend suspected internet fraudsters, commonly referred to as “yahoo boys.” The operatives successfully raided their first target, arresting several suspects and recovering evidence, including credit cards and four luxury vehicles. However, the operation turned tragic when Dr. Nnamdi allegedly opened fire on the EFCC team, killing Sahabi and injuring another operative.
According to police reports, Dr. Nnamdi used a short pump-action shotgun, allegedly licensed to his father. After the shooting, he disposed of the firearm by throwing it into nearby bushes and initially hid in his own ceiling before crawling into his neighbor’s ceiling, where he was eventually arrested by a joint effort of police and EFCC operatives.
Dr. Nnamdi has reportedly claimed that he acted in self-defense, an assertion supported by his father, who appeared at the police station to reinforce his son’s narrative. However, police sources suggest otherwise, with evidence pointing to a premeditated act. The suspect is currently detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) and faces potential murder charges.
The incident has also drawn attention to glaring security lapses during the operation. According to reports, the EFCC operatives were not equipped with bulletproof vests, relying solely on their branded EFCC jackets for identification. This lack of protective gear may have left them vulnerable during the high-stakes raid.
Sahara Reporters further learned that the local police in Awka allegedly delayed the EFCC team, accusing them of conducting the raid without prior notification or approval. This delay may have compounded the risks faced by the operatives, sparking debates about inter-agency collaboration and jurisdictional protocols.
The tragic death of Assistant Superintendent Halisu Sahabi underscores the dangers faced by law enforcement officers in their fight against financial crimes. As investigations continue, the case raises critical questions about operational preparedness, inter-agency cooperation, and the ethical responsibilities of citizens in volatile situations.
Dr. Nnamdi remains in police custody as the investigation deepens. His claims of self-defense, coupled with the fact that the firearm was licensed to his father, will be scrutinized alongside the sequence of events that led to the EFCC operative’s death. Meanwhile, the EFCC and police authorities have vowed to bring all involved parties to justice, ensuring accountability for the tragic loss of life.
This case is a stark reminder of the challenges faced in combating cybercrime and enforcing the law, particularly in regions where mistrust and tensions between security agencies and local communities persist.
PIONEER NEWS 