Man Dies After Attempting to Flee EFCC Raid in Lekki

A man, identified as Endurance Udeke, has died after jumping from a four-storey building while trying to evade a raid by Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Lekki, Lagos.

The EFCC confirmed the incident, stating that the operation, carried out on 4 November, targeted suspected internet fraudsters at Periwinkle Estate, Lekki Phase 1. Four suspects were arrested during the raid, while Udeke and another resident attempted to escape after learning of the EFCC’s presence.

“Udeke and another resident of apartment W6a tried to flee by jumping from the four-storey building. Unfortunately, Udeke did not survive despite medical efforts,” the EFCC said. The second individual survived and is now stable.

The commission emphasized that its officers had no physical contact with Udeke before the incident, describing his actions as “tragic and unnecessary.” The case has been handed over to the police for further investigation.

The EFCC urged the public to remain calm and cooperate with its lawful operations, noting that raids are conducted following due process.

This incident comes amid increased scrutiny of EFCC operations. In September, an early-morning raid at a Lagos hotel led to the arrest of 11 people, some unconnected to fraud. Earlier, the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Ogun State accused the EFCC of an unlawful raid, demanding ₦3.5 billion in damages.

Despite criticism, the EFCC reaffirmed its commitment to combating cybercrime and financial fraud, expressing condolences to Udeke’s family while reminding the public not to resist lawful operations.

“Those with nothing to hide have no reason to fear EFCC sting operations,” the commission stated.