The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has directed that an official apology be issued to the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH).
PrimeTimes Nigeria reports that the development follows allegations of invasion of the hospital by operatives of the anti-graft agency and humiliation of Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Prof Eyo Ekpe.
The Association of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgeons of Nigeria (ACTSON), in a statement jointly signed by its President, Abubakar Umar, and the General Secretary, Salisu Ismail, described the incident as disturbing, unacceptable, and capable of undermining healthcare institutions.
ACTSON said the incident created fear, chaos and widespread pandemonium within the hospital environment, disrupting critical patient care services.
It noted that Ekpe pioneered the establishment of the Cardiothoracic Surgery Unit at UUTH, providing lifesaving cardiothoracic surgical services to residents of Akwa Ibom State and neighbouring regions.
The association described the treatment allegedly meted out to the surgeon and senior administrator as painful, degrading and unacceptable.
“Hospitals are highly sensitive environments where lives are constantly at stake. Any operation carried out within such facilities must be approached with the highest level of professionalism, restraint, and respect for institutional processes.
“The alleged forceful removal of a senior surgeon and administrator in full public glare, alongside other staff members, represents a serious affront to the dignity of medical professionals and an unfortunate development capable of eroding morale within the healthcare system,” the statement read.
While acknowledging the statutory responsibilities of law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies, the association stressed that such duties must be carried out with civility, due process and respect for professional institutions.
“The medical profession remains committed to accountability, transparency, and the rule of law. However, intimidation and public humiliation of healthcare professionals within hospital premises must never become normalised in a civilised society,” the statement added.
Speaking on the incident on 𝕏 on Monday, the EFCC chairman said the decision to tender an apology was to address the concerns raised by the medical community and members of the public who were affected by the incident.
He expressed regret over the situation, noting that it was not in line with the standards expected of the commission.
“While acknowledging that the well-being of Nigerians is at the core of the commission’s mandate, he expressed regret at the discomfort the unfortunate episode caused staff of the hospital and members of the public,” a statement attributed to him said.
Olukoyede also reaffirmed that a full investigation into the incident had been ordered, adding that any officer found to have acted outside established professional standards would face disciplinary measures.
He stated, “Once the exercise is completed, any officer found to have acted outside of the acceptable code of professional conduct would be subjected to the internal disciplinary process.”
He further assured stakeholders that the EFCC would work closely with relevant bodies to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.
He maintained that the agency would continue to carry out its mandate of tackling economic and financial crimes across Nigeria without distraction.