EFCC explains death of man who jumped from building during Lagos cybercrime raid
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has clarified the circumstances surrounding the death of one Endurance Udeke, a resident of Periwinkle Estate in Lekki Phase 1, Lagos State, who died after jumping from a four-storey building in an attempt to evade arrest during an anti-cybercrime operation conducted by the Commission on November 4, 2025.
In a statement issued on Saturday, by Dele Oyewale, head of Media and Publicity, the anti-graft agency said the incident occurred when operatives carried out a sting operation at the estate that led to the arrest of four suspected internet fraudsters.
According to the EFCC, the operation had been proceeding without incident until Udeke and another resident of apartment W6a reportedly attempted to evade arrest by jumping from the fourth floor of their building.
The Commission said while one of the two residents survived after being stabilised and treated at a hospital, Udeke unfortunately died despite emergency medical efforts to save his life.
“The operation was smooth sailing in all the apartments and four suspected internet fraudsters were arrested.
“However, Udeke and one other resident of apartment W6a got wind of the operation and tried to escape arrest by jumping down from the four-storey building.
“Udeke did not survive the suicidal efforts, in spite of medical interventions made to rescue him,” the EFCC stated.
The Commission added that it promptly reached out to Udeke’s family to explain the circumstances surrounding his death, noting that the family appreciated the medical interventions made before his passing.
Describing the incident as “shocking,” the EFCC maintained that there was no direct contact between its operatives and the deceased before he jumped, dismissing claims of confrontation or misconduct by its officers.
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“The Commission is shocked at the suicidal action of the deceased. There was no contact between officers of the Commission and the deceased before the unfortunate incident,” the statement read.
The EFCC confirmed that it had reported the matter to the Nigeria Police, which has since launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Udeke’s death.
While expressing sympathy to the family of the deceased, the Commission reiterated that its operations are conducted lawfully and urged members of the public not to panic or resist EFCC operatives when they act within their mandate.
“While we await the outcome of the investigation, it is important to remind the public that no one with nothing to hide has reason to be afraid of EFCC sting operations,” EFCC noted.
