The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has explained the circumstances surrounding a tense incident at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, where its operatives were allegedly attacked while carrying out an official investigation.
According to the anti-graft agency, the operation took place on Tuesday when EFCC officials arrived at the hospital premises in two saloon vehicles and a tinted bus.
Witnesses reported that some operatives wore face masks, while others appeared in jackets bearing the EFCC insignia.
The agency’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, stated that the visit was connected to an ongoing investigation involving a suspect accused of defrauding several microfinance banks, including the University of Uyo Microfinance Bank.
He explained that the suspect had submitted a medical report from the hospital, prompting the Commission to seek verification of the document.
According to the EFCC, two separate letters were sent to the hospital management requesting clarification, but no response was received.
The investigating officer was also said to have visited the facility earlier to follow up on the matter.
The Latest Visit
During the latest visit, the Commission claimed its officials attempted to meet with the hospital’s Chief Medical Director but were instead confronted by hostile staff members after an alarm was allegedly raised within the facility.
The EFCC alleged that some hospital workers attacked its operatives with stones and other objects, forcing a chaotic scene within the premises.
Videos shared online showed patients, visitors and medical workers running for safety after teargas was reportedly discharged during the confrontation.
Meanwhile, Eyo Ekpe, a professor of cardiothoracic surgery and deputy chairman of the hospital’s medical advisory committee, was reportedly taken into custody during the incident.
Order From The Management
Oyewale further claimed that the hospital management ordered the facility’s gates to be locked, preventing the operatives from leaving peacefully.
He added that officers from the Nigeria Police Force intervened and advised the hospital authorities to reopen the gates, but the request was allegedly ignored.
Despite the tension, the EFCC maintained that its personnel acted professionally and avoided escalating the situation.
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The Commission also stressed that requests made in the course of its investigations are lawful and urged individuals and institutions to cooperate with its operations whenever required.
