EFCC Raid on Nigerian Hospital Sparks Strike and Investigation
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) launched an internal probe after operatives raided the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital in Nigeria, allegedly assaulting staff and disrupting services. While the EFCC denied unlawful arrests, medical unions condemned the aggressive tactics, including teargas deployment, leading to an indefinite strike by health workers. Following public outrage and condemnation from prominent figures, the EFCC apologized for the operational error. The Health Minister subsequently ordered the strike’s suspension and formed a committee to investigate harassment of healthcare workers by security agencies.
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MDCAN Condemns EFCC Assault on UUTH Doctor, Demands Justice
The Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) has strongly condemned the assault and unlawful detention of Professor Eyo Ekpe and other medical staff by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) operatives at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH) in Akwa Ibom State. MDCAN described the incident as a barbaric display of power within a healthcare sanctuary, warning that such intimidation endangers patients and traumatizes workers. The association demanded immediate investigation and prosecution of the involved EFCC personnel, stating it will no longer tolerate harassment of its members by law enforcement. The conflict arose during an EFCC operation to authenticate a medical report, where resistance from hospital staff led to tension and arrests. In response to the brutality, the Akwa Ibom branch of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) declared an indefinite total strike. The national NMA body also condemned the actions. Following significant pressure from medical unions and public outcry, the EFCC announced it had opened an internal investigation into the conduct of its operatives during the incident.
Punch Newspapers - Latest NewsHealth Minister Orders Strike End at Uyo Hospital After EFCC Apology
Muhammad Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare in Nigeria, has directed striking health workers at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital in Akwa Ibom State to immediately suspend their industrial action and resume duties. This directive follows an apology from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) regarding a controversial enforcement operation at the facility. Senior EFCC officials acknowledged to the Ministry that a mistake was made during the raid, which involved armed operatives entering the hospital, causing panic among patients and staff, and disrupting medical services. The incident had sparked outrage among medical unions, including the Nigerian Medical Association, who criticized the intrusion into a sensitive healthcare environment. In addition to securing the resumption of services, Minister Pate announced the immediate formation of a ministerial committee. This body, comprising representatives from medical unions, human rights advocates, and ministry officials, is tasked with investigating the causes of recurring harassment of healthcare workers by security personnel. The committee is expected to submit its findings and recommendations for preventing future incidents within two weeks.
Punch Newspapers - Latest NewsEFCC Investigates Operatives After Controversial Hospital Raid Sparks Outrage
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has launched an internal investigation into its operatives following a controversial raid on the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The incident, which occurred while agents were verifying a medical report for a fraud suspect, escalated when staff resisted arrests. Witnesses allege that EFCC officers assaulted medical personnel, fired shots into the air, and deployed tear gas inside the hospital, causing injuries and panic among patients and visitors. The aggressive tactics triggered immediate backlash, leading to an indefinite strike by local medical workers and a threatened billion-naira lawsuit by the Nigerian Medical Association. Prominent figures, including former presidential candidate Peter Obi and senior lawyers, condemned the operation as an abuse of power and a violation of civil rights. While the EFCC defended its actions by claiming operatives were attacked with stones and exercised restraint, the public outcry has intensified calls for reforms in the agency's operational methods. The hospital's management confirmed the medical report under investigation was fake, suggesting internal collusion, but maintained that the enforcement approach was excessive and disruptive to critical healthcare services.
Punch Newspapers - Latest NewsGombe NMA Condemns EFCC Harassment of UUTH Staff
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Gombe State Branch, has strongly condemned the alleged harassment, intimidation, and assault of University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH) staff by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The incident occurred when EFCC officers stormed the hospital to arrest Professor Eyo Ekpe, a renowned cardiothoracic surgeon, and other staff members. Videos circulating online depicted chaos as teargas was deployed within the medical facility, causing patients and visitors to flee for safety. While the EFCC defended the operation as necessary to authenticate medical records related to a fraud investigation, the NMA described the actions as unacceptable violations of healthcare workers' dignity and safety. The association warned that such disruptions endanger patients and undermine healthcare delivery. Consequently, the NMA has called for a thorough, impartial investigation into the conduct of the officers involved. They are demanding disciplinary measures, a formal apology, and compensation for Professor Ekpe and the affected staff. The statement also urges broader societal support against the intimidation of medical personnel across Nigeria.
Punch Newspapers - Latest NewsEFCC Denies Assault Allegations at UUTH, Launches Internal Probe
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has officially denied allegations of assault and unlawful arrest involving its operatives at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH) in Akwa Ibom State. The denial follows claims by the hospital's Chief Medical Director, Professor Ememabasi Bassey, who stated that EFCC agents stormed the facility without a warrant, arresting a cardiothoracic surgeon and four other staff members. In a statement, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale clarified that the operatives' presence on May 12, 2026, was strictly administrative to authenticate a document, not a tactical arrest operation. The commission asserted that no arrests were made and that accompanying staff were not detained. While describing the brutality claims as unsubstantiated due to a lack of physical evidence, the EFCC expressed outrage at the accusations. To ensure accountability and address public concern, the agency has ordered an internal investigation into the incident. The EFCC pledged that any officer found violating standard operating procedures would face disciplinary action, reaffirming its commitment to respecting citizens' rights while combating corruption.
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