The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has apologised to Professor Eyo Ekpe and members of the Nigerian Medical Association over the incident involving operatives of the commission at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Akwa Ibom State.
The apology follows outrage and strike actions by doctors in Akwa Ibom State after EFCC operatives assaulted and arrested Ekpe, the Deputy Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee of UUTH, within the hospital premises on May 12.
In a statement released on Monday via its official X handle, the anti-graft agency disclosed that its Executive Chairman, Mr Ola Olukoyede, directed that an apology be made to Ekpe and members of the NMA after reviewing a preliminary report on the incident.
“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, Mr. Ola Olukoyede has directed that an apology be made to Professor Eyo Ekpe, the Deputy Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee of UUTH, and members of the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA,” the statement read.
The EFCC chairman also expressed regret over the incident and its effect on hospital workers and the public.
The anti-corruption agency said a full investigation into the incident was ongoing and promised sanctions against any officer found culpable.
“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.
“Reiterating the Commission’s decision ordering a full investigation of the incident, he assured that 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,” the statement added.
Olukoyede also said the commission was willing to work with stakeholders to prevent a recurrence.
“Mr. Olukoyede expressed determination to work with stakeholders to resolve all the issues and forestall a repeat of such episodes in future,” the EFCC stated.
The commission, however, maintained that the incident would not stop it from carrying out its mandate 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 read.
The EFCC further appealed to medical professionals and other groups to continue supporting its anti-corruption activities.
“He called on members of the NMA and other professional bodies to continue to support the EFCC in the delicate assignment of ridding Nigeria of economic and financial crimes and other forms of corruption,” the commission added.
EFCC operatives assaulted members of staff of the UUTH during an investigation involving the authentication of a medical report.
Four staff members, including Ekpe, were arrested during the operation.
Following the assault, the Akwa Ibom branch of the NMA declared an indefinite and total strike in all state hospitals. The association on Sunday called off the strike action in the state hospitals and vowed to continue the action in UUTH until their demands were met.
The National body of the NMA also condemned the assault and called for the prosecution of the officials involved.
The EFCC, on Friday, bowed to pressure and said it had opened an investigation into the incident.