By Ihechi Enyinnaya
The tragic killing of an Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) officer, Assistant Superintendent Aminu Sahabi Harisu, during an operation in Anambra State on January 17, 2025, has ignited a wave of controversy and conflicting narratives, with both the EFCC and local witnesses offering starkly different accounts of the incident.
The EFCC has officially condemned what it describes as a “cold-blooded” murder, attributing the killing to a suspected internet fraudster, Joshua Chukwubueze Ikechukwu, who allegedly opened fire on officers during a raid at his residence in Awka. According to the EFCC, the operation was aimed at apprehending internet fraudsters in the area, a task that had already led to the arrest of 37 suspects. The raid, which followed all necessary protocols, took a violent turn when Ikechukwu, who was monitoring the situation through a CCTV camera, refused to comply with the officers’ request to open his door and instead shot at them. Harisu was fatally struck, while another officer was injured in the attack.
The EFCC claims that preliminary investigations have confirmed Ikechukwu’s involvement in illegal online activities, including coding and distributing dubious medical supplies, and that his possession of several recording devices, laptops, and iPads strengthens their case. The Commission has vowed to pursue justice for Harisu, emphasizing that the growing dangers posed by internet fraudsters – who are increasingly linked to violent crimes like kidnapping and banditry – must be addressed with unwavering resolve.
However, a controversial statement has emerged from another source, complicating the situation. Dr. Nnamdi, a medical professional who resides in the same building as Ikechukwu, claimed responsibility for the shooting, stating that he acted in self-defense when he believed kidnappers were attempting to break into his home at night. According to Dr. Nnamdi, the EFCC officers, who had allegedly not informed the local police of their operation, forcibly entered his apartment, prompting him to fire in an attempt to protect himself and his family. He further asserted that the gun used in the incident was legally registered in his father’s name for security purposes.
While the EFCC has rejected this account, labeling it a “false narrative,” Dr. Nnamdi’s version of events has sparked public debate. Critics question the lack of coordination between the EFCC and local police, pointing out that the Commission altered its raid plan after being intercepted by law enforcement in the area. The EFCC’s decision to proceed with the operation in the absence of full communication with local authorities has raised eyebrows, particularly as they targeted specific apartments based on car models outside the premises.
The controversy surrounding the incident has fueled speculation on social media, with some commentators expressing sympathy for Dr. Nnamdi and questioning the EFCC’s conduct during the raid. The EFCC, for its part, has strongly condemned these speculative narratives, urging the public to respect the gravity of the situation and to refrain from spreading unfounded conjectures that could harm the reputation of the slain officer and the Commission as a whole.
As the investigation continues, the debate over the circumstances of Harisu’s death underscores the growing tension surrounding the fight against internet fraud in Nigeria. While the EFCC remains resolute in its mission to combat corruption and criminality, the incident has raised critical questions about the execution of law enforcement operations, especially in volatile regions with heightened insecurity.
The EFCC has vowed to pursue justice for its fallen officer and warned that any future attacks on its personnel will be met with full force. Meanwhile, the public and the media continue to grapple with the differing accounts, leaving the full truth of what transpired on that fateful night still a subject of controversy.