The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has issued a clarification regarding the recent incident involving operatives of its Uyo Zonal Directorate and staff of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital.
In a statement released following widespread public reactions, the Commission explained that the presence of its operatives at the hospital on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, was strictly administrative and not a tactical operation aimed at making arrests.
According to the anti-graft agency, its officials were at the medical facility to authenticate a document and not to detain any member of staff. The Commission further clarified that contrary to reports circulating in some quarters, no arrests were carried out and none of the hospital staff who accompanied the operatives to the Uyo Zonal Command was detained.
The Commission also expressed concern over allegations that some hospital workers were brutalised during the incident. While noting that no physical evidence of bodily harm or injury had been presented, including by staff members who spoke publicly on the matter, the agency disclosed that it had nevertheless ordered a full investigation into the allegations.
The EFCC assured that any officer found to have acted outside the agency’s Standard Operating Procedure would face appropriate sanctions.
The Commission further appreciated stakeholders who have intervened in efforts aimed at resolving the issue amicably, while stressing that the May 12 incident should not be exploited by individuals seeking to undermine the anti-corruption campaign in the country.
Reaffirming its commitment to the rule of law, the EFCC maintained that it recognises the rights of all Nigerians and would continue to discharge its mandate without violating the fundamental rights of citizens.
