EFCC Denies Detention, Brutality Allegations In UUTH Incident
By Anne Osemekeh, Abuja
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has denied allegations that its operatives assaulted or detained staff of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH) following public outrage over an incident at the hospital involving officials of the Commission’s Uyo Zonal Directorate.
In a statement issued in response to reactions trailing the May 12 incident, the EFCC said its operatives were at the hospital strictly on an administrative assignment to authenticate a document and not to carry out arrests.
The Commission clarified that no arrests were made during the visit and that hospital staff who accompanied operatives to the zonal command were neither detained nor harassed.
The incident had sparked criticism and concern among Nigerians after reports emerged alleging that hospital workers were brutalised by EFCC operatives.
Reacting to the allegations, the anti-graft agency said it was disturbed by the claims of brutality, although it had not seen any evidence of bodily harm or injuries suffered by the affected staff members.
The EFCC, however, disclosed that it had ordered an investigation into the incident, warning that any officer found to have violated the agency’s Standard Operating Procedure would face sanctions.
The Commission also appealed to the public not to allow the incident to be used by “fifth columnists” to undermine the country’s anti-corruption fight, describing the development as an aberration.
