EFCC has come under fire over hospital evasion and doctor brutality in Uyo.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is facing mounting criticism following a controversial operation at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, which allegedly disrupted medical services and led to claims of brutality against doctors.
The incident, which occurred in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, sparked outrage among healthcare workers after EFCC operatives reportedly stormed the hospital premises in an attempt to verify a medical report linked to an ongoing fraud investigation.
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According to reports, panic broke out within the hospital as staff, patients, and visitors fled for safety amid allegations that tear gas was fired during the operation.
The situation escalated after the reported arrest of Professor Eyo Ekpe, Deputy Chairman of the hospital’s Medical Advisory Committee and said to be the only cardiothoracic surgeon in Akwa Ibom State.
Members of the Nigerian Medical Association accused EFCC operatives of physically assaulting and handcuffing medical personnel during the operation.
The Akwa Ibom chapter of the NMA subsequently declared an indefinite strike, condemning what it described as intimidation of healthcare workers and invasion of a medical facility.
Several Nigerians, including medical professionals and activists, also took to social media to condemn the incident.
One critic wrote: “What happened at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital yesterday is a national disgrace and must not be treated lightly,” while calling on the EFCC, the Federal Ministry of Health, the presidency, and the Senate to investigate the matter and protect healthcare workers from future attacks.
Another medical commentator, Smiling Doktor, identified on X as @DocOmeiza, described the incident as evidence of institutional breakdown.
“You will know that Nigeria is truly finished when you hear/see rogue EFCC officials storm Uyo Teaching Hospital and physically assault a professor; the only cardiothoracic surgeon in Akwa Ibom and Deputy CMAC of the hospital,” the post read.
However, the EFCC denied allegations of brutality, insisting its operatives were attacked while carrying out lawful investigations connected to a suspect accused of defrauding several microfinance banks, including the University of Uyo Microfinance Bank.
EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, said the commission had earlier written to the hospital management requesting clarification on the medical report but allegedly received no response, forcing operatives to visit the facility physically.
The anti-graft agency further claimed that its officials were trapped inside the hospital premises and attacked with stones by some staff members during the operation.
The incident has continued to generate widespread reactions across the country, with many Nigerians questioning the conduct of security agencies within sensitive public institutions such as hospitals.
