The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has denied allegations that its operatives assaulted or arrested staff members during a recent incident at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, insisting that the visit was strictly administrative and not an enforcement operation.
In a statement released Friday evening via its official X handle, the anti-graft agency said operatives from its Uyo Zonal Directorate visited the hospital on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, solely to authenticate a document connected to an ongoing investigation.
According to the commission, “the presence of the Commission’s operatives in the facility on Tuesday, May 12th, 2026 was purely administrative, to facilitate the authentication of a document, rather than a tactical operation to effect arrest.”
The EFCC also dismissed reports circulating online alleging that doctors and hospital personnel were arrested or detained during the visit.
“Contrary to the information making the rounds, no arrests were made and the staff of the hospital that followed our operatives to the Zonal Command were not detained,” the statement added.
The clarification followed widespread public backlash and condemnation from the Nigerian Medical Association, which accused EFCC operatives of invading the hospital premises, intimidating health workers, and assaulting medical personnel.
The association had alleged that the operation targeted the hospital’s Deputy Chairman Medical Advisory Committee, Prof. Eyo Ekpe, over delays in authenticating a medical report involving a suspect reportedly in EFCC custody.
Responding to the allegations of brutality, the commission stated that it had not received or seen any physical evidence indicating that hospital staff suffered bodily harm or injuries during the incident. However, it disclosed that an internal investigation had been ordered to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the operation.
“The Commission is outraged by the allegations of brutalisation of staff of the hospital. Even though we have not seen any physical evidence of such brutality in terms of bodily harm or injury to anyone, including to the staff members who addressed the media on this issue, the Commission as a responsible organisation, has ordered an investigation into the incident,” the agency said.
The anti-corruption agency further assured Nigerians that any officer found to have violated its operational guidelines or standard procedures would face disciplinary action.
“While awaiting the outcome of this inquiry, any staff of the Commission found to have deviated from the Standard Operating Procedure of the Agency, will not be spared,” the statement added.
The EFCC also cautioned against attempts to politicise or exploit the controversy to discredit the country’s anti-corruption campaign.
“The May 12th incident was an aberration and should not be allowed to be exploited by some fifth columnists to undermine the fight against corruption in Nigeria,” the commission stated.
Reaffirming its commitment to professionalism and the rule of law, the EFCC stressed that it remains dedicated to respecting the rights and dignity of Nigerians while carrying out its statutory responsibilities.
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