The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has refuted reports that its operatives arrested or assaulted medical staff at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital in Akwa Ibom State.

The response follows allegations by the hospital’s Chief Medical Director, Prof. Ememabasi Bassey, who said EFCC agents raided the facility on Tuesday and took away cardiothoracic surgeon Prof. Eyo Ekpe and four other staff without a warrant or advance notice. The claim drew public attention and forced the commission to issue a clarification.

Speaking Friday, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale said the team from the Uyo Zonal Directorate was at the hospital solely for administrative reasons — to confirm the authenticity of a document. 

“Our presence at UUTH on May 12, 2026, had nothing to do with arrests. It was strictly to verify a document,” Oyewale stated. He added that no one was taken into custody and that the hospital staff who accompanied the operatives to the zonal office were allowed to leave without detention.

The commission described the accusations of brutality as grave but unproven, noting that no visible injuries had been found on the staff who addressed the press.

Even so, the EFCC said it has launched an internal investigation to determine the facts. It warned that any officer found to have acted outside standard procedure would be disciplined.

“We are troubled by the allegations of assault. While there’s no physical evidence of injury so far, we are treating this seriously and will investigate thoroughly. Any staff who violated our procedures will face consequences,” the statement said.

Labeling the incident an “aberration,” the EFCC said it would not be allowed to distract from its anti-corruption work.