EFCC Denies Brutality Claims in UUTH Hospital Incident

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has issued a detailed clarification over a recent incident involving its operatives and staff of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH), following public concern and widespread reactions across social media.

According to the Commission, the presence of its operatives at the hospital on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, was strictly administrative and aimed at facilitating the authentication of a document. EFCC emphasized that the visit was not a tactical operation intended to effect any arrests.

The anti-graft agency also dismissed reports suggesting that hospital staff were arrested or detained, stating that no arrests were made during the visit. It further clarified that staff who accompanied its operatives to the zonal command were not held in custody.

Reacting to allegations of alleged brutality during the encounter, the Commission expressed concern but noted that it had not seen any physical evidence of injury or bodily harm among the individuals involved, including those who spoke to the media. However, EFCC said it has ordered an internal investigation into the matter to establish the facts.

The Commission warned that any personnel found to have acted outside its Standard Operating Procedures would face disciplinary action, stressing that accountability remains central to its operations.

EFCC also appreciated stakeholders who have called for calm and amicable resolution of the issue, while urging the public not to allow what it described as “misinterpretations” of the incident to undermine the country’s anti-corruption efforts.

Reaffirming its mandate, the Commission stated that it remains committed to enforcing the law while respecting the rights of all Nigerians, adding that it will continue its duties without intimidation or abuse of authority.