The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has said it will discipline any officer found to have violated professional standards during a controversial operation at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH) on May 12, 2026.
EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede announced the move after reviewing a preliminary report on the incident, which sparked outrage from the medical community. He also directed that an official apology be issued to Prof. Eyo Ekpe, Deputy Chairman of UUTH’s Medical Advisory Committee, and to the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA).
The operation involved armed EFCC operatives storming the hospital to authenticate a medical report linked to a fraud suspect in custody. According to the NMA and hospital staff, the operatives assaulted Prof. Ekpe, beat him until he bled, handcuffed him, and arrested him alongside other staff who tried to intervene. Videos circulating online showed panic as teargas was fired within the hospital premises.
In a statement on the EFCC’s X handle, Olukoyede expressed regret over the discomfort caused to hospital staff and patients. He stressed that while the commission remains committed to fighting economic and financial crimes, professionalism and accountability must not be compromised.
“Once the exercise is completed, any officer found to have acted outside the acceptable code of professional conduct would be subjected to the internal disciplinary process,” he said.
The EFCC maintained that its operatives were on an official assignment to verify a medical report that had not been authenticated after two letters were sent to the hospital. It denied that the visit was meant to humiliate staff.
The incident triggered a strike by UUTH workers and condemnation from medical associations nationwide, who described it as a violation of the sanctity of healthcare facilities. The Akwa Ibom State Government later intervened, convening a stakeholders’ meeting that led to the suspension of the strike and a truce between the parties.
Olukoyede assured that the EFCC would work with relevant bodies to prevent a recurrence and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to its anti-corruption mandate.
