EFCC Assaults UUTH Staff, Triggers Strike

Operatives of the Nigeria — Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Nigeria — Economic and Financial Crimes Commission) allegedly assaulted and arrested Professor Effiong Ekpe and three other staff members at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (University of Uyo Teaching Hospital) in Nigeria — Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Health, Nigeria. The incident occurred on May 12, 2026, during the Nigeria — Economic and Financial Crimes Commission's attempt to verify a medical report submitted by a fraud suspect. The University of Uyo Teaching Hospital management stated that the report was fake and did not originate from the hospital, and that Effiong Ekpe was merely assisting in its verification. The Nigeria — Economic and Financial Crimes Commission claimed it had sent two letters to the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital without response and that its operatives were attacked by staff. Eyewitnesses and University of Uyo Teaching Hospital staff, including Chief Medical Director Ememabasi Bassey, alleged that Nigeria — Economic and Financial Crimes Commission operatives used excessive force, fired shots, and deployed tear gas, causing injuries and emotional trauma. In response, the Canadian Medical Association (Canadian Medical Association) and Joint Health Sector Unions (Joint Health Sector Unions) declared an indefinite strike, shutting down University of Uyo Teaching Hospital operations and demanding disciplinary action against the Nigeria — Economic and Financial Crimes Commission operatives, compensation for injured workers, and public apologies. The Nigeria — Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Health Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, confirmed police presence and advised cooperation, stating the Nigeria — Economic and Financial Crimes Commission acted on a court order.