The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has expressed regret over the controversial incident involving operatives of the Commission and medical personnel at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, UUTH, assuring that a thorough investigation is already underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the matter.
The anti-graft agency disclosed this following the receipt and review of a preliminary report on the incident that occurred on May 12, 2026, at the Uyo-based tertiary health institution.
According to the Commission, Olukoyede has directed that an official apology be extended to Professor Eyo Ekpe, Deputy Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee of UUTH, as well as members of the Nigerian Medical Association over the unfortunate episode.
The EFCC chairman acknowledged the concerns and public outrage generated by the incident, noting that the Commission deeply regretted the discomfort, tension and disruption caused to medical personnel, hospital patients and members of the public.
He stated that although the EFCC remains committed to carrying out its statutory responsibilities in combating economic and financial crimes, such responsibilities must always be executed within the bounds of professionalism, discipline and respect for citizens and institutions.
“The wellbeing of Nigerians remains at the heart of the Commission’s mandate,” Olukoyede said, while expressing sympathy to the affected medical personnel and stakeholders in the health sector.
The incident, which reportedly sparked reactions among medical practitioners and civil society groups, had raised concerns about the conduct of security and law enforcement personnel within public institutions, especially healthcare facilities where emergency services are rendered daily.
Although details surrounding the confrontation were still being investigated, the EFCC said it had already commenced a comprehensive internal review of the actions of its officers involved in the matter.
Olukoyede reiterated the Commission’s earlier directive ordering a full-scale investigation into the circumstances that led to the altercation at the hospital.
He assured Nigerians that the outcome of the investigation would not be swept under the carpet, stressing that any operative found to have acted outside the approved code of professional conduct would face disciplinary measures in line with the Commission’s internal regulations.
According to him, accountability and institutional integrity remain central to the EFCC’s operational values, adding that no officer would be shielded if found culpable after the investigation.
The EFCC chairman further stated that the Commission was determined to work closely with relevant stakeholders to address all issues arising from the incident and ensure that such occurrences do not happen again in the future.
He emphasised the importance of cooperation between security agencies and professional bodies, especially institutions involved in critical public services such as healthcare.
Olukoyede noted that the EFCC values the role of medical practitioners in safeguarding the health and wellbeing of Nigerians and would continue to maintain constructive relationships with the medical community and other professional organisations across the country.
He stressed that the Commission recognised the sacrifices made daily by healthcare workers and acknowledged their contribution to national development.
At the same time, the EFCC chairman maintained that the unfortunate incident in Uyo would not deter the anti-corruption agency from continuing its operations against economic and financial crimes in any part of Nigeria.
According to him, the Commission remains resolute in its mandate to investigate and prosecute cases of corruption, financial fraud, money laundering and other related offences threatening the nation’s economic stability and development.
He explained that while the Commission would continue to intensify its anti-corruption efforts, it would also ensure that its personnel uphold the highest standards of professionalism and respect for human dignity in the discharge of their duties.
Olukoyede therefore appealed to members of the Nigerian Medical Association and other professional groups not to allow the incident to weaken their confidence in the EFCC.
He called for continued collaboration between the anti-graft agency and professional organisations in the collective effort to rid Nigeria of corruption and other financial crimes.
According to him, the fight against corruption requires the support and cooperation of all sectors of society, including healthcare professionals, legal practitioners, civil servants, civil society organisations and ordinary citizens.
“The Commission remains committed to working with all stakeholders in promoting transparency, accountability and national development,” he said.
Observers say the EFCC’s decision to apologise publicly may help ease tensions generated by the incident, especially among members of the medical profession who had expressed concerns over the treatment of hospital staff during the encounter.
The development also comes amid increasing calls for security and law enforcement agencies to strengthen internal accountability mechanisms and improve engagement with members of the public during official operations.
Analysts note that maintaining mutual respect between security agencies and public institutions is critical to preserving public trust and ensuring efficient service delivery across sectors.
The incident at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital has continued to attract public attention, particularly on social media, where many Nigerians have demanded transparency in the investigation and accountability for any misconduct established during the inquiry.
Meanwhile, the EFCC has assured that updates on the outcome of the investigation will be made public once the internal review process is concluded.
The Commission reiterated its commitment to professionalism, institutional reforms and constructive partnerships as it continues its campaign against corruption and financial crimes nationwide.
