By Our Correspondent
National News – The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has launched an internal investigation after public outrage followed an operation at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital in Akwa Ibom State.
The incident happened on Tuesday when EFCC operatives visited the hospital to verify a medical report linked to a suspect facing trial.
The raid sparked panic after workers alleged that officers fired shots and tear gas within the hospital premises.
Four hospital staff members, including senior medical official Prof. Effiong Ekpe, were reportedly arrested during the confrontation.
Witnesses claimed tensions rose after health workers resisted the arrest attempt, leading to chaos that forced patients, visitors and workers to flee for safety.
Videos shared online showed frightened people running across the hospital compound as tear gas spread through the facility.
The incident triggered nationwide criticism from medical professionals, civil society groups and legal experts, who accused the anti-graft agency of abuse of power and unprofessional conduct.
The Nigerian Medical Association in Akwa Ibom threatened legal action against the EFCC, demanding compensation for damages allegedly caused during the operation.
Hospital Chief Medical Director Prof. Ememabasi Bassey later confirmed that the medical report being investigated was fake.
According to him, the verification process was delayed because of public holidays and official assignments involving hospital management staff.
The EFCC defended its actions, insisting its officers visited the hospital only to authenticate documents and were attacked by some workers during the process.
However, mounting criticism from Nigerians, including former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and senior lawyer Monday Ubani, pushed the commission to announce an official probe.
In a statement released on Friday, the EFCC said the operation was administrative and not intended as a tactical raid.
The agency also promised sanctions against any operative found guilty of violating standard procedures.
The commission added that hospitals should remain safe environments while anti-corruption investigations are conducted professionally and lawfully.
