EFCC Storms UUTH Over Fraud Probe: Doctors Declare Indefinite Strike After Alleged Assault on Surgeon

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Tension erupted at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital following a controversial operation by EFCC operatives at the tertiary health institution that allegedly led to assaults on medical personnel, disruption of hospital activities, and an indefinite doctors’ strike.

The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, has triggered outrage within the medical community and renewed debate over the conduct of security agencies in sensitive public institutions.

According to the EFCC, its operatives visited the hospital as part of an ongoing investigation involving a fraud suspect currently in custody. The suspect is facing allegations of defrauding several microfinance banks, including the University of Uyo Micro Finance Bank, in a case before Justice M.A. Onyetunu of the Federal High Court in Uyo.

The anti-graft agency maintained that the visit was strictly to verify a medical report submitted on behalf of the suspect. The commission stated that it had earlier sent two official letters dated March 11 and April 20, 2026, seeking confirmation from hospital management but allegedly received no response.

EFCC officials claimed that after repeated failed attempts to obtain clarification, a team of operatives visited the hospital to meet with the Chief Medical Director directly.

In a statement, the agency alleged that its operatives were locked inside the premises and attacked by hospital staff and sympathizers who reportedly hurled stones and other objects at them. The commission insisted that its officers acted professionally, avoided disrupting medical services, and eventually exited the hospital peacefully with assistance from police authorities.

However, eyewitness accounts and reports from hospital sources presented a dramatically different version of events.

Several staff members alleged that armed and masked EFCC operatives stormed the hospital in a commando-style operation that created panic among patients, doctors, and visitors. Witnesses claimed that medical workers fled wards while some patients were left unattended during the confusion.

Among those reportedly affected was Professor Eyo Ekpe, a respected cardiothoracic surgeon and Deputy Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee at UUTH. Sources alleged that he was forcefully dragged from his office and arrested by EFCC operatives during the operation.

Some medical personnel who attempted to intervene were allegedly assaulted and threatened. Unverified reports also suggested that tear gas and warning shots were used during the confrontation, further escalating fear within the hospital environment.

Although Professor Ekpe was later released, the incident sparked widespread condemnation from healthcare professionals and labour groups.

The Nigerian Medical Association subsequently declared an indefinite strike, demanding a full investigation into the incident, accountability for those involved, guarantees for the safety of healthcare workers, and an official apology.

Medical practitioners warned that the disruption of activities at one of Akwa Ibom State’s major referral hospitals could worsen healthcare challenges for patients requiring emergency and specialist treatment.

The EFCC, meanwhile, defended its actions and reiterated that public institutions are legally obligated to cooperate with lawful investigations. The agency also warned that obstruction of its operations could attract legal consequences.

As of the time of filing this report, the commission had not directly addressed allegations surrounding the arrest of Professor Ekpe or claims of excessive force by its operatives.

The incident has intensified concerns over the growing tension between anti-corruption enforcement and the protection of critical public institutions such as hospitals. Civil society groups and stakeholders are now calling for an independent probe into the confrontation to prevent future incidents capable of endangering lives and undermining public trust in both law enforcement and the healthcare system.

The situation remains tense as investigations continue and negotiations with medical workers are expected in the coming days.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more official information becomes available.