Emmanuel OchayiA senior official of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), identified as Sylvanus, has been found dead on a street in Lagos State. A video of the lifeless body has since gone viral, showing him dressed in burgundy traditional attire and lying on the roadside.
Eyewitnesses gathered around the scene, which also attracted two police officers. In the video, the officers searched through a small bag the deceased was carrying to confirm his identity.
Join our WhatsApp Channel“Where e dey work, nah EFCC. His ID card dey there,” one of the officers said as he inspected the bag.
The EFCC later confirmed the man’s identity through the retrieved card.
Public Shock Over Discovery
The video has raised concerns across Lagos and beyond. Onlookers at the scene expressed sadness over the discovery. One bystander in the video could be heard saying, “This one nah EFCC man. How e take end like this?” Another added, “The government need to protect these EFCC officials. This kind of thing no suppose dey happen.”
The death of Sylvanus has left many unanswered questions, as the circumstances leading to his demise remain unclear.
EFCC Reacts to the Incident
The EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, confirmed the tragic incident and assured the public that investigations are already underway.
READ ALSO: EFCC Under Scrutiny As Operatives Disappear With Seized Gold, $30,000
“We are aware of the situation and can confirm that the deceased was indeed one of our officials. The death is being investigated, and we will provide more details as they emerge,” Oyewale stated.
When asked about measures to protect EFCC officials, Oyewale responded, “We remain committed to the safety of our operatives. However, details on specific measures will be discussed after investigations are concluded.”
Recent Attacks on EFCC Operatives
This incident comes just two weeks after another EFCC official, Aminu Salisu, was fatally shot in Kano by a suspected fraudster, Joshua Chukwubueze Ikechukwu as reported by Prime Business Africa.
Speaking on the recent tragedies, Oyewale remarked, “The loss of any operative is deeply painful for us. These individuals are on the frontline fighting corruption, and we are determined to ensure their work continues.”
The death of Sylvanus has sparked debates about the safety of EFCC operatives, particularly as they deal with high-risk cases involving fraud and corruption.
Public Reactions
Nigerians on social media have expressed concerns over the rising risks faced by EFCC officials. A Twitter user wrote, “This is becoming too much. EFCC officials need better protection. They risk their lives every day.”
Another user commented, “Why is it that those who fight corruption seem to face the biggest dangers? The government needs to take this seriously.”
While investigations into Sylvanus’s death continue, the EFCC has promised transparency in uncovering the truth. For now, questions linger about what led to his untimely demise and what measures can be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Emmanuel Ochayi is a journalist. He is a graduate of the University of Lagos, School of first choice and the nations pride. Emmanuel is keen on exploring writing angles in different areas, including Business, climate change, politics, Education, and others.
