EFCC Defends Uyo Hospital Operation Amid Outrage

On May 12, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) conducted an operation at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH), which it described as an exercise to authenticate documents rather than a raid. The EFCC's Uyo Zonal Director issued a statement on Friday, clarifying that the operation was not intended to effect arrests and denying allegations of brutality against hospital staff.

Despite this, there was significant public outrage regarding the conduct of the operatives, with claims of mistreatment circulating, although no physical evidence of harm was reported. The EFCC stated that no staff members were detained during the operation.

The agency acknowledged a breach of its standard operational procedures and indicated that disciplinary action would follow the outcome of an inquiry. The EFCC emphasized its commitment to combating corruption while respecting the rights of all Nigerians.