The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has disclosed that its operatives were stoned at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH) in Akwa Ibom.
PrimeTimes Nigeria understands that the security operatives stormed the hospital on Tuesday in two saloon cars and a tinted bus, with some officers wearing masks and others dressed in EFCC-branded jackets.
In a statement by EFCC spokesman, Dele Oyewale, the security agency said it visited the hospital to make lawful enquiries regarding a medical report.
Eyo Ekpe, a professor of cardiothoracic surgery and deputy chairman of the hospital’s medical advisory committee, was reportedly arrested during the operation.
Videos circulating online showed workers, patients and visitors running for safety within the hospital premises after teargas canisters were shot.
Oyewale said operatives went to the hospital to authenticate a medical report presented by a suspect who has been remanded over allegations of defrauding multiple microfinance banks, including the University of Uyo Microfinance Bank.
He said the EFCC wrote two different letters to the hospital management over the medical report, but received no response.
He added that the investigating officer handling the case had visited the hospital for further enquiry over the matter.
The statement reads, “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 the 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.
“In spite of the hostility and provocation, there was no breakdown of law and order as the operatives exercised restraint and professionally made their way out of the hospital premises without disrupting its activities.
“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.”