Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission were allegedly attacked and pelted with stones while carrying out what the agency described as a lawful investigation at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital in Akwa Ibom State.
The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, triggered panic within the hospital premises as staff, patients and visitors reportedly fled for safety following the arrival of the anti-graft officials.
Eyewitness accounts and viral videos seen online showed scenes of chaos, with teargas canisters allegedly fired during the operation, forcing many to scamper for cover.
During the operation, a professor of cardiothoracic surgery, Eyo Ekpe, who also serves as Deputy Chairman of the hospital’s Medical Advisory Committee, was reportedly arrested by the operatives.
However, the EFCC, in a statement issued by its Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, said its officials were subjected to an “unprovoked attack” while carrying out legitimate enquiries.
According to the commission, the visit to the hospital was part of an ongoing investigation involving a suspect accused of defrauding several microfinance banks, including the University of Uyo Microfinance Bank.
Oyewale explained that the suspect had presented a medical report from the hospital, prompting the commission to seek its authentication.
He noted that the EFCC had earlier written twice to the hospital management without receiving any response, adding that an investigating officer had also visited the facility prior to the incident.
The statement read in part, “As a last resort, operatives of the commission visited the Chief Medical Director to make further enquiries but were locked in and subjected to an unprovoked attack by misguided staff who pelted them with stones and other dangerous objects.”
The agency further alleged that the hospital’s Chief Medical Director ordered the closure of the facility’s gates, preventing the operatives from exiting the premises.
It added that efforts by police authorities in the state to persuade the hospital management to reopen the gates were unsuccessful.
Despite the hostility, the commission said its operatives exercised restraint and eventually exited the premises without escalating the situation or disrupting hospital activities.
The EFCC emphasised that its investigative activities are backed by law and urged public institutions to cooperate with its operatives in the course of their duties.
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