The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has moved to clarify the circumstances surrounding the controversial incident at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, following widespread outrage and speculation among Nigerians.
In a statement released by the Commission, officials explained that the presence of EFCC operatives at the hospital on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, was not a tactical raid or an attempt to arrest medical staff, but rather a routine administrative exercise.
According to the anti-graft agency, its operatives were at the facility to facilitate the authentication of a document linked to an ongoing investigation.
The Commission stressed that contrary to viral reports circulating online, no arrests were made at the hospital. It further maintained that hospital personnel who accompanied the operatives to the EFCC Zonal Command were not detained.
The agency also rejected allegations that its operatives brutalized members of staff during the incident. The EFCC argued that no physical evidence of injuries had been presented, including by hospital workers who later addressed journalists on the matter.
“The Commission is outraged by the allegations of brutalisation of staff of the hospital,” the statement read.
“Even though we have not seen any physical evidence of such brutality, we have ordered an investigation. Any staff of the Commission found to have deviated from the SOP will not be spared.”
The EFCC disclosed that it has commenced an internal investigation into the incident and assured Nigerians that any operative found to have violated the agency’s Standard Operating Procedure would face disciplinary action.
The Commission acknowledged concerns raised by medical professionals, civil society groups, and other stakeholders who have called for calm and an amicable resolution of the dispute.
It described the May 12 incident as an aberration and cautioned against what it termed attempts by “fifth columnists” to exploit the controversy in order to undermine Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts.
The clarification comes amid increasing public scrutiny of the EFCC’s operational methods and its engagement with public institutions. In recent years, Nigerians have intensified calls for greater transparency, accountability, and respect for human rights in the conduct of anti-corruption operations.
Analysts say the Commission’s swift response appears aimed at rebuilding public trust and reassuring citizens that its anti-corruption campaign remains professional and law-abiding.
The EFCC reiterated its commitment to protecting the rights of Nigerians while carrying out its statutory mandate to combat corruption across the country.
However, available reports appear to contradict aspects of the Commission’s position.
Several media reports indicated that arrests were indeed made during the incident at the hospital. Reports claimed that Prof. Eyo Ekpe and several hospital workers were allegedly taken away by EFCC operatives during the confrontation.
While the EFCC denied allegations of assault and stated that its operatives were attacked while carrying out “lawful enquiries,” the Commission did not specifically deny that some individuals were taken to its command office for questioning.
The conflicting narratives have continued to fuel debate among Nigerians, with many calling for a transparent investigation into the incident and clearer communication from all parties involved.
