By Nkechi Eze
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has clarified its role in the recent incident at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH), Akwa Ibom State, stating that its operatives were at the facility for administrative purposes and not on an arrest mission.
According to an official signed statement by the Head of Media and Publicity of the EFCC, Dele Oyewale, the Commission said the visit on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, was solely to facilitate the authentication of a document and not a tactical enforcement operation.
The EFCC further dismissed widespread reports suggesting that arrests were made or that hospital staff were detained, describing such claims as inaccurate.
“The presence of the Commission’s Operatives in the facility on Tuesday, May 12th, 2026 was purely administrative, to facilitate the authentication of a document, rather than a tactical operation to effect arrest,” the statement read.
It added that contrary to circulating reports, no staff member was arrested or detained, including those who accompanied operatives to the Zonal Command.
The Commission also reacted to allegations of brutality during the encounter, describing them as “outrageous,” while noting that it had not seen any physical evidence supporting claims of bodily harm or injury to hospital personnel.
However, the EFCC said it has ordered a full internal investigation into the incident to determine whether any staff member violated the agency’s Standard Operating Procedures.
It warned that any officer found culpable would face disciplinary action, stressing that accountability within the Commission remains non-negotiable.
The statement also acknowledged public concern over the incident and urged stakeholders not to allow what it described as an “aberration” to be exploited by individuals seeking to undermine the Commission’s anti-corruption mandate.
The EFCC reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, due process, and respect for institutional engagement, while assuring the public that it would continue to carry out its statutory responsibilities in line with the law.
