By Our Reporter.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has explained the circumstances surrounding the visit of its operatives to the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, UUTH, on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, stating that the mission was strictly official and aimed at authenticating a medical report submitted by a suspect facing fraud charges before the Federal High Court in Uyo.
According to the Commission, the suspect, who is currently under remand by Justice M.A. Onyetunu of the Federal High Court, Uyo, is being prosecuted for allegedly defrauding several microfinance banks, including the University of Uyo Microfinance Bank.
The EFCC disclosed that the suspect had presented a medical report purportedly issued by the teaching hospital, necessitating verification by the hospital management as part of ongoing investigations.
The anti-graft agency stated that it had earlier written two separate letters to the management of UUTH on March 11 and April 20, 2026, requesting authentication of the medical document but received no response.
Following the silence from the hospital authorities, the investigating officer handling the matter reportedly visited the facility to ascertain the status of the request, yet no official response was provided.
The Commission further explained that operatives later visited the office of the Chief Medical Director, CMD, as a final step to seek clarification, but were allegedly met with hostility.
According to the EFCC, the situation escalated after a false alarm was reportedly raised within the hospital premises, leading to an attack on the operatives by some aggrieved staff members who allegedly pelted them with stones and other dangerous objects.
The Commission also alleged that the CMD directed the closure of the hospital gates, preventing the operatives from leaving the premises peacefully despite intervention from the Akwa Ibom State Police Command, which reportedly appealed for the gates to be opened.
Despite the tension, the EFCC maintained that its personnel acted professionally and exercised restraint throughout the incident, adding that there was no disruption of hospital activities or breakdown of law and order.
The anti-corruption agency reiterated that requests relating to its investigations are lawful and urged public institutions and corporate bodies to cooperate with the Commission in the discharge of its duties.
The EFCC warned that any deliberate attempt to obstruct its operations could amount to a criminal offence with legal consequences.
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