OUTRAGE AS EFCC OPERATIVES ALLEGEDLY ASSAULT, ARREST UUTH STAFF DURING HOSPITAL RAID
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
Public outrage has erupted following the alleged assault and arrest of four staff members of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, including Professor Effiong Ekpe, during an operation by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in Akwa Ibom State.
The incident occurred on Tuesday when EFCC operatives reportedly stormed the hospital premises to verify a medical report submitted by a fraud suspect currently standing trial before Justice M.A. Onyetunu of the Federal High Court in Uyo.
According to eyewitness accounts, the operatives initially attempted to arrest a member of staff, leading to resistance from health workers and other hospital personnel.
Witnesses alleged that the officers later called for reinforcement, while additional operatives reportedly fired shots into the air and used tear gas to disperse workers gathered at the scene.
Professor Ekpe, who serves as Deputy Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee and is a professor of cardiothoracic surgery, was reportedly arrested alongside three other hospital staff members.
Some individuals were also said to have sustained injuries during the incident, while mobile phones were allegedly damaged as workers attempted to record the operation.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the EFCC confirmed that its operatives visited the hospital to authenticate a medical report presented by a suspect facing trial over alleged fraud involving several microfinance banks, including the University of Uyo Microfinance Bank.
According to the commission, letters dated March 11 and April 20, 2026, had earlier been sent to the hospital management seeking clarification on the report, but no response was received.
The agency stated that its investigating officer later visited the hospital to follow up on the request but allegedly encountered resistance.
The EFCC further claimed that its operatives were locked inside the premises and attacked by “misguided staff” who allegedly pelted them with stones and dangerous objects.
The commission also accused the hospital management of refusing to open the gates despite intervention from the police.
However, medical workers and hospital unions strongly condemned the operation, describing it as excessive, unlawful, and traumatic.
The Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association in Akwa Ibom State, Dr Aniekan Peters, reportedly directed doctors across the state to commence an indefinite strike in protest.
The Joint Health Sector Unions also announced a total shutdown of activities at the hospital.
Speaking on the incident, NMA Public Relations Officer, Gabriel Eyo, alleged that masked men wearing EFCC jackets assaulted Professor Ekpe inside his office.
“They dragged him like a common criminal. When members of staff, students and other health workers tried to resist them, they shot sporadically into the air and dispersed the crowd with tear gas,” Eyo alleged.
He insisted that due process should have been followed if the EFCC intended to question or arrest any medical personnel.
Reacting to the controversy, Akwa Ibom State Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, said police officers only accompanied the EFCC officials after the hospital’s Chief Medical Director contacted him to verify the operation.
Azare stated that the EFCC informed him the action was backed by a court order linked to an ongoing investigation, after which he advised the hospital management to cooperate.
The incident has since sparked widespread criticism on social media, with many Nigerians condemning what they described as the excessive use of force by the anti-graft agency inside a medical facility.
Several commentators also questioned the appropriateness of armed operatives storming a hospital environment, citing concerns over patient safety, institutional protocols, and respect for healthcare workers.
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