The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says its operatives came under attack while carrying out what it described as lawful enquiries at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH) in Akwa Ibom State.
Tension reportedly broke out at the hospital on Tuesday after EFCC officials arrived in two saloon cars and a tinted bus. Witnesses said some officers wore masks, while others were dressed in EFCC-branded jackets.
During the incident, Eyo Ekpe, a professor of cardiothoracic surgery and deputy chairman of the hospital’s medical advisory committee, was reportedly arrested.
Videos shared online showed hospital staff, patients, and visitors fleeing for safety after teargas canisters were allegedly fired within the premises.
In a statement, Dele Oyewale, the EFCC’s head of media and publicity, explained that the operatives visited the hospital to verify a medical report submitted by a suspect currently in remand over allegations involving the defrauding of several microfinance banks, including the University of Uyo Microfinance Bank.
According to Oyewale, the commission had earlier sent two letters to the hospital management requesting clarification on the medical report but received no response.
He added that the investigating officer handling the case had also previously visited the hospital for additional enquiries.
“As a last resort, operatives of the Commission visited the Chief Medical Director of the hospital on Tuesday to make further enquiries, only to be locked in with a false alarm and subjected to unprovoked attack by misguided staff of the facility who pelted them with stones and other dangerous objects,” the statement reads.
“While within the hospital, the CMD reportedly directed that gates of the facility be shut, making it impossible for any lawful enquiry to be made.
“Police authorities in Akwa Ibom State advised the CMD to open the hospital gates to enable the operatives exit the premises peacefully but the entreaties were turned down.
“In spite of the hostility and provocation, there was no breakdown of law and order as the operatives exercised restraint and professionally made their ways out of the hospital premises without disrupting its activities.
“Enquiries bordering on operational engagements of the Commission are lawful. It is therefore necessary to remind the public and corporate bodies that they are obligated to cooperate with the agency in such circumstances.”
