A man simply identified as Ikechukwu Emeka Onyia, has countered earlier report of what transpired in Anambra State on Friday, which resulted in the death of an operative of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Recall that the media space was agog after it was revealed that an operative of the anti-graft agency was shot dead and another fatally injured following an ambush by suspected internet fraudsters (Yahoo Boys) in the Onitsha area of Anambra State.
News Band gathered that the officers of the agency who had traveled from their Enugu zonal headquarters, were on a mission to arrest a group of suspected cybercriminals when they were allegedly attacked.
A male suspect, according to reports, was arrested for the murder, but his identity remain undisclosed.
The deceased is said to be an assistant superintendent.
But while countering the above account, Ikechukwu Emeka Onyia, in a post on his official Facebook page, accused the EFCC of being economical with the truth of what led to the death of their operative in Anambra.
He said it was a medical doctor (name withheld ) that killed the EFCC officer when they came like armed robbers in the middle of the night to raid his home.
Mr. Onyia said the said medical doctor reacted in safe defence probably thinking they were robbers.
He said, “It was a Medical Doctor that killed an EFCC officer when they came like armed robbers in the middle of the night at a time the state was faced with insecurity and the man reacted in safe defence probably thinking they were robbers.
“The man involved is a medical doctor with no ties to illegal activities. The pump-action gun he used was reportedly licensed. Normally, before the EFCC operates in any area, they are required to notify the local police. Unfortunately, this protocol was not followed during their operation in Awka that night.
“When the doctor called to confirm whether the relevant security agencies were aware of the EFCC’s presence, he was informed that they were not. Believing he was confronted by kidnappers and acting out of self-defense, he fired when they broke into his apartment at midnight. Regrettably, two EFCC operatives were injured in the process. Upon realizing they were from the EFCC, he immediately dropped the weapon.
“Meanwhile, the EFCC’s actions in Anambra have raised concerns. Initially, they attempted a raid in a particular area but were intercepted by the police, who were unaware of their operation. According to the EFCC, due to a shortage of personnel, they altered their plans and proceeded to raid a smaller location. They forcibly entered the estate and targeted apartments based on the types of cars parked outside, using them as indicators for which units to search. This raises the question: how did operatives from the EFCC’s Enugu zonal office go to Anambra amid ongoing insecurity in the state without informing the local police, especially while facing a shortage of manpower?
“It is so unfortunate that we lost a staff of the commission, but this call for new strategy. I don’t buy into EFCC entering an apartment like criminals.
“The went to media with story of Yahoo boys shooting EFCC operatives because they can’t defend mode of their operation in Awka that night.
“EFCC should conduct investigation before invitation or even arrest.
“EFCC should change their strategy”.