Why our operatives visited UUTH — EFCC

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC), has explained the reason behind the visit of its operatives to the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, (UUTH), in Akwa Ibom State on Tuesday.

According to the anti-graft agency in a statement on Tuesday, the visit was connected to an ongoing investigation involving a suspect currently standing trial before Justice M.A. Onyetunu of the Federal High Court in Uyo over allegations of defrauding several microfinance banks, including the University of Uyo Microfinance Bank.

The Commission said the suspect submitted a medical report which needed to be verified by the hospital management.

EFCC stated that it had earlier written two separate letters to the hospital on March 11 and April 20, 2026, requesting confirmation of the report but claimed the hospital did not respond.

The agency added that the investigating officer handling the matter later visited the facility to follow up on the request but still got no official response.

EFCC said its operatives subsequently went to see the Chief Medical Director of the hospital on Tuesday in what it described as a final attempt to obtain clarification on the document.

The Commission, however, alleged that the operatives were attacked during the visit.

“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.

“While within the hospital,  the CMD reportedly directed that 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 exit the premises peacefully but the entreaties were turned down.”

The anti-corruption agency maintained that despite the tension, its operatives remained calm and did not disrupt activities within the hospital.

“In spite of the hostility and provocation, there was no breakdown of law and order as the operatives exercised restraint and professionally made their ways out of the hospital premises without disrupting its activities.”

EFCC further stressed that its investigations and operational activities are backed by law, warning that refusal to cooperate with the agency could amount to obstruction.

“Enquiries bordering on operational engagements of the Commission are lawful. It is therefore necessary to remind the public and corporate bodies that they are obligated to cooperate with the agency in such circumstances. Contrary action could be deemed as obstruction, which is criminal with attendant legal consequences.”