EFCC to sanction officers over controversial Uyo teaching hospital incident

Ola Olukoyede, Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, has directed that disciplinary action be taken against any operative found culpable in the controversial incident involving officials of the anti-graft agency and medical personnel at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital.

He also ordered that an apology be conveyed to Eyo Ekpe (Professor) and members of the Nigerian Medical Association following public outrage over the May 12, 2026 incident.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission said the directive followed the receipt and review of a preliminary report on the incident involving some of its personnel and staff of the teaching hospital.

According to the commission, Olukoyede expressed regret over the discomfort and public concern generated by the episode, which sparked reactions within the medical community and among members of the public.

The statement noted that the EFCC chairman specifically ordered that an apology be conveyed to Ekpe, who is the Deputy Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee of the hospital, as well as members of the NMA.

“Pursuant to the receipt and consideration of a preliminary report on the May 12, 2026 incident involving personnel of the Commission and medical staff of the Uyo University Teaching Hospital, Ola Olukoyede, Executive Chairman, has directed that an apology be made to Eyo Ekpe, the Deputy Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee of UUTH, and members of the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA,” the statement read.

Olukoyede reiterated that the wellbeing and safety of Nigerians remain central to the commission’s mandate, stressing that the EFCC would carry out a full-scale investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

He assured that any officer found culpable after the investigation would face appropriate disciplinary action in line with the commission’s regulations and ethical standards.

The EFCC chairman also pledged that the agency would strengthen collaboration with relevant stakeholders and professional bodies to prevent a recurrence of similar incidents in the future.

Despite the controversy, Olukoyede maintained that the “unfortunate incident” would not distract the commission from carrying out its anti-corruption mandate across the country.

He further appealed to the Nigerian Medical Association and other professional groups to continue supporting the EFCC’s efforts in the fight against corruption and economic crimes.