Amanze Chinonye
The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede, has directed that an apology be conveyed to Professor Eyo Ekpe and members of the Nigerian Medical Association following the controversial incident involving EFCC operatives and medical personnel at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH), Akwa Ibom State.
The development comes days after tensions escalated between the anti-graft agency and the NMA over allegations that EFCC operatives assaulted, brutalised and detained doctors within the hospital premises during an operation linked to an ongoing investigation.
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In a statement issued after reviewing a preliminary report on the May 12, 2026 incident, Olukoyede acknowledged the discomfort caused by the episode and expressed regret over its impact on hospital staff and members of the public.
“While acknowledging that the wellbeing of Nigerians is at the core of the Commission’s mandate, he expressed regret at the discomfort the unfortunate episode caused staff of the hospital and members of the public,” the statement said.
The EFCC chairman also reaffirmed the commission’s decision to carry out a full investigation into the incident and assured that any officer found to have acted outside the agency’s professional code of conduct would face internal disciplinary measures.
The incident had sparked outrage within the medical community after the NMA accused EFCC operatives of harassing healthcare workers, including Professor Eyo Ekpe, Deputy Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee of UUTH, during official duty hours.
The association subsequently issued a nationwide directive to its state and FCT branches, condemning the alleged actions of the operatives and warning against continued harassment of doctors by law enforcement agencies.
The EFCC had, however, defended the visit to the hospital, stating that its operatives were attempting to authenticate a medical report submitted by a suspect standing trial for alleged fraud involving multiple microfinance banks, including the University of Uyo Microfinance Bank.
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According to the commission, previous written requests sent to the hospital management seeking verification of the report did not receive a response, prompting officials to visit the facility.
Olukoyede said the commission remained committed to engaging stakeholders to resolve outstanding issues arising from the confrontation and prevent a recurrence.
“He expressed determination to work with stakeholders to resolve all the issues and forestall a repeat of such episodes in future,” the statement added.
The EFCC chairman, however, maintained that the incident would not deter the commission from carrying out its anti-corruption mandate across the country.
He also appealed to the NMA and other professional bodies to continue supporting the EFCC in its efforts to combat economic and financial crimes and corruption in Nigeria.
The apology is being viewed by observers as a significant de-escalation of tensions between the anti-graft agency and the medical community, following concerns that the dispute could further strain relations between healthcare institutions and law enforcement agencies.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
