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EFCC probes multi‑bank fraud after staff attack at Uyo hospital

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said its officers visited the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital on Tuesday as […]

EFCC explains hospital visit, cites alleged obstruction in fraud investigation

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said its officers visited the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital on Tuesday as part of an ongoing probe into an alleged multi‑bank fraud case. The visit was intended to verify a medical report submitted by a suspect who is currently on trial before Justice M.A. Onyetunu.

According to the EFCC, the individual – held in remand for accusations of defrauding several micro‑finance institutions, including the University of Uyo Micro Finance Bank – presented a hospital report that required confirmation from the facility’s management. The commission noted that two formal letters dated 11 March and 20 April 2026 were sent to the hospital requesting verification, but no response was received.

When the request went unanswered, the investigating officer responsible for the case personally travelled to the hospital to inquire about the status of the verification. The officer’s team says they were turned away and, upon approaching the office of the Chief Medical Director, encountered hostility from staff members. EFCC officials claim they were “locked in” and subjected to an unprovoked “attack” in which stones and other objects were thrown at them.

The agency further alleges that the Chief Medical Director ordered the hospital gates closed, preventing the officers from completing what it described as a lawful inquiry. The Nigeria Police Force later intervened, advising the hospital to reopen the gates so the EFCC team could leave, but the commission says the request was ignored.

Despite the confrontation, the EFCC maintains its officers acted professionally and did not disrupt hospital operations. “In spite of the hostility and provocation, there was no breakdown of law and order as the operatives exercised restraint and exited the premises without disturbing activities,” the statement read.

The commission warned that refusing to cooperate with legitimate investigative requests could constitute obstruction of justice and carry legal consequences. The incident underscores the challenges law‑enforcement agencies face in securing evidence for complex financial crimes while navigating institutional resistance. Further developments are expected as the EFCC continues its investigation into the alleged fraud.

Ifunanya

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