By Halima Abubakar
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has alleged that its operatives were attacked and temporarily trapped inside the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH) during an investigative visit linked to an ongoing fraud case in Akwa Ibom State.
The anti-graft agency said the incident occurred when its officers visited the hospital to verify a medical report submitted by a suspect standing trial over alleged fraud involving multiple microfinance banks.
According to the EFCC, the suspect is currently being prosecuted before Justice M.A. Onyetunu of the Federal High Court in Uyo.
In a statement issued by its Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, the Commission said it had earlier written two letters dated March 11 and April 20, 2026, to the hospital management seeking confirmation of the suspect’s medical report but received no response.
It added that an investigating officer later visited the hospital in person after the lack of response, but also did not receive clarification.
The EFCC said its operatives subsequently returned to the hospital to meet the Chief Medical Director for further enquiries, where they were allegedly met with resistance.
“Operatives of the Commission visited the Chief Medical Director of the hospital… only to be locked in with a false alarm and subjected to unprovoked attack by misguided staff who pelted them with stones and other dangerous objects,” Oyewale said.
The Commission further alleged that gates of the facility were shut on the directive of the CMD, preventing the operatives from leaving at the time.
It also claimed that police authorities in Akwa Ibom State intervened and advised that the gates be opened to allow the officers exit peacefully, but the request was not immediately complied with.
Despite the situation, the EFCC said its operatives exercised restraint and eventually left the hospital without disrupting medical services or operations.
The agency warned public institutions and organisations against obstructing lawful investigations, stressing that cooperation with its officers is a legal obligation.
It added that any act capable of hindering its operations could amount to obstruction of justice and attract legal consequences.
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