The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has denied claims that its operatives assaulted or arrested staff of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH) during a visit on Tuesday, May 12, 2026. EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale stated on Friday in Abuja that the agency's personnel from the Uyo Zonal Directorate went to the hospital solely to authenticate a document. He described the visit as purely administrative, not a tactical operation.
Oyewale said no arrests were made and that UUTH staff who accompanied the operatives to the zonal command were not detained. The commission dismissed reports of physical assault, noting that no evidence of bodily harm had been presented, including from staff who spoke to the media. The EFCC expressed outrage over the allegations of brutality, calling them unfounded.
Despite the denials, the agency has ordered an investigation into the incident. Oyewale stated that any operative found to have violated the commission's Standard Operating Procedure would face consequences. The EFCC described the May 12 event as an aberration and warned against attempts by "fifth columnists" to exploit the situation. The agency reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing its anti-corruption mandate without infringing on the rights of Nigerians.
The EFCC denies misconduct by its operatives in Uyo despite ordering an investigation into the same incident, creating a contradiction between its public stance and internal scrutiny. The commission claims no evidence of assault exists, yet it acknowledges concerns from stakeholders and promises accountability. If the visit was purely administrative, as claimed, the need for an investigation suggests possible procedural lapses by EFCC personnel. This raises questions about how the agency verifies documents in public institutions without triggering public alarm.
Editorial note: AI-assisted opinion. All persons mentioned are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Full disclaimer →
