Why We Visited Uyo Varsity Teaching Hospital – EFCC

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has explained that its operatives visited the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH) in Akwa Ibom State to authenticate a medical report presented by a suspect under investigation.

EFCC operatives clashed with hospital staff in Uyo after visiting it to seek answers to a medical report.

The commission’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, who gave details of what transpired, said, ” On Tuesday,  12th May, 2026, the visit of operatives of the Uyo Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital,  (UUTH), in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, was informed by the need to authenticate a medical report presented by a suspect under remand by  Justice M.A Onyetunu of the Federal High Court,  Uyo, for allegedly defrauding multiple microfinance banks, including University of Uyo Micro Finance Bank.

He suspected that a medical report had been presented and required authentication by UUTH management. The Commission wrote two letters, dated 11 March 2026 and 20 April 2026, to the hospital management to this effect, but unfortunately, no response was received. The Investigating Officer, having handed the matter over, took the further step of visiting the hospital to enquire about the status of the request. I still haven’t heard back from you.

As a last resort, operatives of the Commission visited the chief medical director of the hospital on Tuesday to make further enquiries, only to be locked in with a false alarm and subjected to unprovoked attack by misguided staff of the facility who pelted them with stones and other dangerous objects”

The EFCC further explained that “while within the hospital, the CMD reportedly directed that the gates of the facility be shut, making it impossible for any lawful enquiry to be made.  Police authorities in Akwa Ibom State advised the CMD to open the hospital gates to enable the operatives to exit the premises peacefully, but the entreaties were turned down.

Despite the hostility and provocation, there was no breakdown of law and order, as the operatives exercised restraint and left the hospital premises professionally without disrupting its activities. Regarding the Commission’s rights and responsibilities, whether operational or in-operational, the Commission’s actions are lawful. So, it is necessary to remind the public and corporate bodies that they are obligated to cooperate with the agency in these circumstances. Contrary action could be deemed obstruction, a criminal offence with attendant legal consequences.