The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has provided details surrounding the incident that led to the de@th of Lagos resident, Endurance Udeke, during a sting operation at Periwinkle Estate, Lekki Phase 1, on Tuesday, November 4.

In a statement on Saturday, the Commission’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, described the incident as “unfortunate” and attributed the tragedy to what he called the “suicidal action” of the deceased.

“The Commission feels obliged to clear the air on the circumstances leading to the passing of citizen Endurance Udeke, a resident of apartment W6a, Periwinkle Estate, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos,” Oyewale stated.

According to the EFCC, operatives were in the estate to arrest suspected internet fraudsters.

The operation reportedly proceeded without incident until Udeke and another resident attempted to evade arrest.

“The operation was smooth sailing in all the apartments and four suspected internet fraudsters were arrested,” the statement said.

“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.”

Oyewale disclosed that Udeke did not survive the fall despite medical attempts to revive him.

“Udeke did not survive the suicidal efforts, in spite of medical interventions made to rescue him,” he said.

He added that the second resident survived after being stabilised and treated at the hospital.

The Commission said it had contacted Udeke’s family to explain what occurred and the steps taken to save his life.

“As a responsible law enforcement agency, the Commission contacted Udeke’s family with details of the circumstances leading to his de@th. Efforts and medical interventions made to ensure his survival before his eventual passing were appreciated by the family,” Oyewale noted.

He stressed that EFCC operatives had no physical contact with Udeke before he jumped.

“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,” he said.

Oyewale said the EFCC had reported the incident to the Nigeria Police Force, which has since commenced investigations.

“The Commission reported the incident to the Police, which has begun an investigation into the incident,” he added.

He urged members of the public not to panic during EFCC raids, saying only those with criminal concerns have reason to be afraid.

“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 operation,”he stated.

The incident has sparked public debate, with many calling for impartial investigations to establish the full circumstances surrounding Udeke’s de@th.

Endurance Udeke, a resident of Periwinkle Estate in Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, has reportedly d!ed after an alleged failed attempt to escape arrest during a sting operation carried out by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The anti-graft agency said in a statement on Saturday that its operatives carried out the operation on November 4, targeting suspected internet fraudsters within the estate.

According to the EFCC, four suspects were arrested during the operation.

The agency said the late Udeke and another resident of an apartment, W6a, became aware of the operation and tried to escape by jumping from a four-storey building.
Udeke sustained severe injuries and later d!ed despite medical efforts to save him, the agency said, adding that the other resident survived after receiving treatment in hospital.

The EFCC said there was no direct contact between its officers and Udeke before the incident, noting that the incident has been reported to the police.

“Operatives of the Commission were in the Estate to carry out a sting operation on November 4, 2025. The operation was smooth sailing in all the apartments, and four suspected internet fraudsters were arrested,”the statement reads.

“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.

“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 commission reported the incident to the police, which has begun an investigation into the incident.

“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 the EFCC sting operation.”