Society
EFCC Bows to Pressure As Chairman Orders Apology Over UUTH Clash, Vows Punishment for Rogue Officers
followed what the commission described as its consideration of a preliminary report on the incident
The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has ordered an official apology to Professor Eyo Ekpe, deputy chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH), as well as members of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), following the controversy surrounding the May 12 altercation between EFCC personnel and medical staff at the hospital.
The move followed what the commission described as its consideration of a preliminary report on the incident, which triggered outrage among medical professionals and raised fresh concerns over the conduct of security operatives in public institutions.
In a statement issued after reviewing the initial findings, Olukoyede acknowledged the seriousness of the episode and expressed regret over the disruption and discomfort caused to hospital workers and members of the public.
“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, the Executive Chairman… has directed that an apology be made to Professor Eyo Ekpe… and members of the Nigerian Medical Association,” the statement said.
The EFCC chairman stressed that while the commission remains committed to protecting Nigerians and aggressively pursuing its anti-corruption mandate, professionalism and accountability must not be compromised.
“While acknowledging that the wellbeing 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,” the statement added.
Olukoyede also reaffirmed his earlier directive for a full-scale investigation into the incident, warning that any operative found culpable would face disciplinary consequences.
“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 said.
The apology is seen as a strategic effort to ease tensions between the anti-graft agency and Nigeria’s medical community after the clash sparked criticism from stakeholders who accused EFCC operatives of overreach.
Despite the controversy, Olukoyede insisted the incident would not weaken the commission’s resolve in fighting economic and financial crimes across the country.
“He, however, stated that the unfortunate incident would not detract the commission from pressing ahead with the execution of its mandate in any part of Nigeria,” the statement noted.
He further called on the NMA and other professional bodies to continue collaborating with the commission, describing corruption as a national threat requiring collective resistance.
“Members of the NMA and other professional bodies should continue to support the EFCC in the delicate assignment of ridding Nigeria of economic and financial crimes and other forms of corruption,” he said.
The incident has now placed the spotlight on operational discipline within the EFCC, even as Olukoyede seeks to reassure Nigerians that the commission can pursue its anti-corruption war without alienating critical institutions or undermining public trust.
