Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Operations at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital were severely disrupted on Tuesday after operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission stormed the facility in an operation that triggered panic, resistance from hospital workers, and an indefinite strike by doctors across Akwa Ibom State.
The confrontation, which unfolded inside the major federal health institution in Uyo, centered on an attempt by EFCC operatives from the Uyo Zonal Directorate to arrest Professor Effiong Ekpe, identified as the Deputy Chairman of the hospital’s Medical Advisory Committee. Three other staff members were also reportedly taken into custody during the operation, according to accounts from hospital workers and union officials familiar with the incident.
Witnesses said the situation rapidly escalated after the anti graft agency entered the hospital premises to execute what it described as a lawful court backed operation connected to an ongoing fraud investigation involving a suspect already standing trial before the Federal High Court in Uyo. The EFCC maintained that the purpose of the visit was linked to the authentication of a medical report allegedly submitted by the suspect as part of proceedings in the case.
According to the commission, the suspect is facing allegations 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 on March 11 and again on April 20 seeking verification of the medical report but received no official response from the institution.
The anti corruption agency stated that after repeated attempts to obtain clarification failed, operatives visited the office of the Chief Medical Director of the hospital to pursue the matter directly. However, the visit soon degenerated into a tense standoff between security officials and hospital personnel.
Hospital sources claimed the attempted arrest of Professor Ekpe triggered outrage among workers, many of whom viewed the operation as aggressive and inappropriate within a medical environment already handling vulnerable patients. Staff members reportedly mobilized in resistance while hospital security personnel shut the main gates, temporarily preventing EFCC operatives from leaving the premises.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of confusion as patients, visitors, and workers fled different sections of the hospital amid fears that the confrontation could become violent. Some witnesses alleged that gunshots were fired into the air during the operation, though the EFCC did not officially confirm the use of firearms. Reports also emerged alleging that teargas was deployed during efforts to disperse protesting staff members, further heightening panic across the facility.
The EFCC, however, accused some workers of attacking its personnel and obstructing lawful investigative activities. In a statement issued Tuesday evening, the commission alleged that its operatives were trapped within the hospital complex after management ordered the gates shut. It also claimed officers were pelted with stones and other objects by angry staff members.
The agency further stated that police authorities in Akwa Ibom State attempted to persuade the hospital management to reopen the gates to allow operatives exit peacefully but that those efforts were unsuccessful for some time. The commission insisted its officers exercised restraint despite what it described as provocation and obstruction.
The incident immediately sparked outrage within the medical community in Akwa Ibom State. The state chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association announced an indefinite strike action in protest against what it called the invasion of the teaching hospital and the alleged assault on health workers.
Doctors and health personnel accused the EFCC of violating the sanctity of a medical institution and creating conditions that endangered patients receiving treatment. Medical unions said healthcare services at the hospital were severely affected after workers withdrew from duty following the confrontation.
Patients seeking medical attention were reportedly left stranded as clinical activities slowed dramatically across several departments. Some patients and relatives were seen leaving the premises amid uncertainty over when services would resume.
The NMA described the operation as barbaric and demanded the arrest and prosecution of officials allegedly involved in the assault of medical workers. The association also called on the Federal Government and relevant authorities to ensure the protection of healthcare professionals against what it termed intimidation and harassment within hospitals.
While reactions continued to pour in, the EFCC defended its actions and warned public institutions against obstructing investigations. The commission emphasized that inquiries carried out by its operatives in the course of investigations are lawful and that organizations are obligated to cooperate with anti corruption agencies.
The controversy has intensified debate over the conduct of security agencies in Nigeria, particularly during operations involving public institutions and high profile investigations. Critics argued that even where court orders exist, law enforcement agencies must conduct operations in ways that minimize disruption to essential public services, especially within hospitals and healthcare facilities.
Others, however, insisted that no institution or public official should be shielded from investigation where allegations linked to financial crimes are involved. Legal observers noted that the matter could further escalate if formal complaints emerge over alleged assault, unlawful detention, or obstruction of justice connected to the confrontation.
As of Tuesday night, authorities at the teaching hospital had yet to issue a detailed official statement publicly addressing the allegations made by the EFCC. The immediate status of Professor Ekpe and the three other arrested staff members also remained unclear.
The incident has nevertheless left healthcare services in parts of Akwa Ibom under serious strain, with many patients uncertain about access to treatment while tensions continue between medical workers and federal investigators.
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