EFCC Operatives Attacked And Stoned While Making Enquiries At Uyo Teaching Hospital

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said that some of its operatives were attacked with stones at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH) in Akwa Ibom State while carrying out lawful enquiries linked to a medical report.

Tension reportedly spread across the hospital on Tuesday after EFCC officials arrived at the facility in two saloon vehicles and a tinted bus, with some officers wearing masks and others dressed in EFCC-branded jackets.

During the incident, Professor Eyo Ekpe, a cardiothoracic surgeon and deputy chairman of the hospital’s medical advisory committee, was said to have been arrested.

Videos shared online showed hospital workers, patients, and visitors running in different directions after tear gas was reportedly fired within the hospital premises.

Reacting to the incident, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale explained that the commission’s operatives visited the hospital to verify a medical report submitted by a suspect currently in custody over alleged fraud involving several microfinance banks, including the University of Uyo Microfinance Bank.

According to him, the EFCC had earlier sent two letters to the hospital management requesting clarification about the report but received no reply.

Oyewale also stated that the investigating officer handling the case had previously gone to the hospital for additional enquiries.

“As a last resort, operatives of the Commission visited the Chief Medical Director of the hospital on Tuesday to make further enquiries, only to be locked in with a false alarm and subjected to unprovoked attack by misguided staff of the facility who pelted them with stones and other dangerous objects,” the statement reads.

“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.

“Enquiries bordering on operational engagements of the Commission are lawful. It is therefore necessary to remind the public and corporate bodies that they are obligated to cooperate with the agency in such circumstances.”

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KanyiDaily also reported how the EFCC declared former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Sadiya Umar Farouq, wanted over allegations involving conspiracy, abuse of office and the mismanagement of public funds.