Tension reportedly escalated at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital following an alleged invasion by officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), leading to the arrest of hospital personnel and disruption of medical services.
According to reports from hospital sources, EFCC operatives allegedly stormed the hospital premises to investigate a medical report issued on behalf of one of the commission’s detainees. The situation reportedly degenerated after officers attempted to question and arrest administrative staff, including senior officials linked to the Deputy Chairman Medical Advisory Committee (DCMAC).
Staff members of the hospital condemned the operation, describing it as “barbaric,” “unprofessional,” and inappropriate for a healthcare environment. Medical workers reportedly shut down activities temporarily in protest, demanding the immediate release of those arrested and calling for an unreserved public apology from the anti-graft agency.
One of the officials reportedly affected was Prof. Eyo Ekpe, described by colleagues as a disciplined and respected cardiothoracic surgeon. Sources within the hospital claimed that the EFCC had initially written to verify the authenticity of a medical report submitted on behalf of a detainee.
Hospital insiders explained that the letter had already been received and placed before the appropriate administrative office, but the responsible official was said to be away on official assignment in Lagos at the time. Staff alleged that rather than allowing due administrative process, EFCC officers became aggressive and assaulted personnel carrying out lawful duties.
Eyewitnesses further alleged that staff members who recorded videos of the incident were assaulted, while some phones were reportedly seized and recordings deleted before the devices were later returned.
The incident has triggered strong reactions from members of the public and hospital workers, many questioning the manner of the operation within a sensitive medical environment. Critics argued that arrests could have been handled through formal invitations without disrupting healthcare services or creating panic among patients.
As of the time of reporting, the EFCC had not officially responded to the allegations or issued a public statement regarding the incident.
