By EMMANUEL ANTSWEN

Family members and close associates of 16-year-old Atser Sesugh have called for an independent forensic investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.

The demands follow a statement by the Benue Police Command confirming the death of Sesugh, who was linked to an alleged fraud and cybercrime case under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Makurdi.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Edet Udeme, said Sesugh and two other suspects were arrested by EFCC operatives on April 28 but allegedly escaped from custody on May 4.

According to the police, the EFCC received intelligence on May 23 that the fleeing suspects had been sighted at a hideout behind Mechanic Village in Kanshio, Makurdi.

Operatives who responded to the information reportedly encountered a group of suspected cultists who opened fire on them, leading to an exchange of gunfire.

The police stated that while withdrawing from the scene, operatives found Sesugh lying in a pool of blood by the roadside.

He was reportedly rushed to the Police Cottage Hospital in Makurdi, where he was confirmed dead.

His remains were subsequently deposited at the mortuary of the Benue State University Teaching Hospital for preservation and autopsy.

However, sources close to the family have disputed the official account, insisting that the teenager was not an escapee from custody as claimed by authorities.

Speaking on the incident, Sesugh’s mother, Mrs Jennifer Asar, said her son was on EFCC bail at the time of his death.

The 35-year-old mother of five, who earns a living through the sale of garri, expressed grief over the loss of her son and appealed for justice.

“My son was a hardworking and responsible boy.

He worked at construction sites and was also learning furniture making.

He was dedicated to his work and always supported the family,” she said.

Asar alleged that she later learned her son had been killed by an EFCC operative.

She further claimed that the commission had neither contacted her nor granted her access to his remains since the incident.

According to her, Sesugh informed her two days before his death that he had been arrested by the EFCC but was released after investigators found nothing incriminating against him.

“I want the government, especially Gov. Hyacinth Alia, to ensure that my son gets justice. I also want support to recover his body and give him a proper burial,” she said.

Also speaking, Mr Philip Udo, a furniture maker who described Sesugh as one of his apprentices, said the deceased was hardworking, honest and committed to learning the trade.

Udo alleged that on the day of the incident, two men he identified as EFCC operatives invited Sesugh and a friend to meet them at a hotel in Makurdi.

According to him, the operatives pursued the youths upon their arrival, and Sesugh was shot during the ensuing chase.

He further claimed that although Sesugh had been granted bail by the EFCC, his mobile phone was withheld and he was asked to pay N100,000 before it could be released.

Udo called for an independent investigation into the incident, insisting that the teenager was not involved in criminal activities.

Similarly, the Proprietress, New Educational Teaching Academic College, Makurdi, Mrs Mimido Aondoana, described Sesugh as a disciplined and obedient student.

She said the teenager had recently returned to school after a period away due to financial difficulties.

According to Aondoana, an arrangement had been reached with his mother to pay school fees in instalments from proceeds of her garri business.

“The deceased was regular at coaching classes and was doing well in intermediate science.

“It was when I noticed his absence that I later learnt of the unfortunate news of his death,” she said.

The family and associates of the deceased have urged relevant authorities to conduct a thorough, transparent and independent investigation into the incident to establish the facts and ensure accountability where necessary. (NAN)