The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has launched an investigation into its operatives' controversial raid on the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, following widespread public condemnation. The incident, which involved alleged tear gas deployment and arrests of medical staff, sparked nationwide outrage and led to an indefinite strike by health workers. While the hospital's Chief Medical Director confirmed a fake medical report was at the center of the incident, the EFCC claims its operatives were attacked during the operation.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has bowed to mounting public pressure and opened an investigation into a lawless raid by its operatives during which medical workers at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital were assaulted during the controversial operation in Akwa Ibom State.
The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, sparked outrage across Nigeria after videos surfaced online showing panic and chaos within the hospital premises as workers, patients and visitors fled following the alleged firing of tear gas canisters.
Four hospital staff members, including Prof. Effiong Ekpe, Deputy Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee, were reportedly arrested during the operation.
According to eyewitness accounts, EFCC operatives had stormed the hospital to arrest a staff member linked to the authentication of a medical report allegedly submitted by a suspect standing trial before a Federal High Court in Uyo.
Witnesses alleged that tensions escalated after workers resisted the arrest, prompting reinforcement from additional operatives who allegedly fired gunshots into the air and deployed tear gas within the hospital environment.
Some workers were reportedly injured in the process, while several mobile phones were allegedly damaged as staff attempted to record the operation.
The incident immediately triggered industrial action, with doctors and health workers embarking on an indefinite strike.
The Akwa Ibom State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association also threatened a N1 billion lawsuit against the anti-graft agency, accusing it of inflicting physical, emotional, professional and institutional damage on hospital personnel.
Reacting to the controversy, the Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Prof. Ememabasi Bassey, disclosed that the medical report at the centre of the EFCC investigation was fake.
According to him, preliminary findings suggested that insiders within the hospital may have collaborated with external actors to forge the document.
Bassey explained that the verification process experienced delays due to the May 1 public holiday, the weekend, and the official trip of Prof. Ekpe.
The commission’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, claimed operatives who visited the hospital were attacked with stones and other dangerous objects by some workers during the operation.
He insisted that the operatives exercised restraint and left the premises professionally without disrupting medical services.
The incident has since drawn widespread condemnation from prominent Nigerians, lawyers and civil society organisations, many of whom accused the EFCC of increasingly operating with impunity.
Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, had condemned the use of tear gas within a hospital, describing it as reckless and an abuse of power.
In a statement posted on his verified X account, Obi said government agencies must carry out their constitutional responsibilities within the bounds of professionalism and respect for human life.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has launched an investigation into its operatives' controversial raid on the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, following widespread public condemnation. The incident, which involved alleged tear gas deployment and arrests of medical staff, sparked nationwide outrage and led to an indefinite strike by health workers. While the hospital's Chief Medical Director confirmed a fake medical report was at the center of the incident, the EFCC claims its operatives were attacked during the operation.
Source: saharareporters.com
