The Chief Medical Director of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH), has described how operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) stormed the hospital and arrested a senior professor and other staff members.

The incident occurred on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, causing chaos and forcing the hospital to shut down operations temporarily as staff protested the manner in which the arrests were carried out.

According to the CMD, armed EFCC operatives arrived at the hospital in the afternoon and headed straight to the office of Professor Eyo Effiong Ekpe, a renowned cardiothoracic surgeon and Deputy Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC). They forcefully arrested him along with three other hospital staff.

Hospital workers claimed the operatives, some masked and armed, dragged the professor on the ground like a common criminal in front of patients and colleagues. This triggered immediate resistance from doctors, nurses and other staff who locked the hospital gates and prevented the EFCC team from leaving with the suspects.

The CMD said the invasion disrupted normal hospital activities, including surgeries and patient care, and created panic among patients and their families.

The EFCC later explained that its operatives visited the hospital to verify a medical report submitted by a fraud suspect standing trial in court. The agency claimed its team was attacked and trapped inside the hospital by angry staff.

The arrest of Professor Ekpe, described as the only cardiothoracic surgeon in Akwa Ibom State, has sparked outrage among medical professionals and the public. Many have condemned the alleged heavy-handed approach used by the anti-graft agency in a health facility.

The hospital management has since demanded a thorough investigation into the incident and called for respect for the dignity of medical professionals, especially while on duty.

As at press time, the arrested professor and other staff remain in EFCC custody while investigations continue. The hospital has appealed for calm as it works to restore normal services.

This incident has raised fresh concerns about how anti-corruption agencies carry out operations in sensitive public institutions like hospitals.