EFCC: Why our operatives visited Uyo teaching hospital

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has clarified the circumstances surrounding the visit of its operatives to the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH), Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom State.

Doctors at the hospital have since commenced an indefinite strike after the visit by the EFCC operatives.

Speaking on the development via a statement on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, the anti-graft agency noted that the mission was part of an investigation involving an alleged fraud suspect currently facing trial.

The commission disclosed that its operatives from its Uyo Zonal Directorate visited the hospital to authenticate a medical report submitted by a suspect remanded by Justice M.A. Onyetunu of the Federal High Court, Uyo.

According to the EFCC, the suspect is being prosecuted for allegedly defrauding several microfinance banks, including the University of Uyo Microfinance Bank.

The commission explained that the suspect had presented a medical report which required verification by the hospital management.

It disclosed that two separate letters dated March 11 and April 20, 2026, were sent to the hospital requesting confirmation of the report, but no response was received.

The EFCC further stated that the investigating officer handling the case later visited the hospital to enquire about the status of the request but was still unable to obtain any official response.

“As a last resort, operatives of the Commission visited the Chief Medical Director of the hospital on Tuesday to make further enquiries,” the commission said.

The anti-graft agency, however, alleged that the operatives were locked inside the hospital premises after a false alarm was raised, leading to what it described as an unprovoked attack by some staff members who reportedly pelted the officials with stones and other dangerous objects.

UUTH doctors begin indefinite strike after EFCC operation

The EFCC added that the hospital’s Chief Medical Director ordered the closure of the facility’s gates, preventing the operatives from leaving peacefully despite intervention by police authorities in Akwa Ibom State.

Despite the tension, the anti-graft agency maintained that its operatives acted professionally and ensured there was no breakdown of law and order within the hospital.

It said: “While within the hospital, the CMD reportedly directed that gates of the facility be shut, making it impossible for any lawful enquiry to be made.

“Police authorities in Akwa Ibom State advised the CMD to open the hospital gates to enable the operatives exit the premises peacefully but the entreaties were turned down.

“In spite of the hostility and provocation, there was no breakdown of law and order as the operatives exercised restraint and professionally made their ways out of the hospital premises without disrupting its activities.”

The EFCC stressed that enquiries related to its operational activities are lawful and urged members of the public as well as institutions to cooperate with the commission during investigations.

It warned that actions capable of obstructing its duties could amount to a criminal offence with legal consequences.