The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has accused staff members at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital of attacking its operatives during an investigation linked to an alleged fraud case involving multiple microfinance banks.

According to a report by TheCable, the incident occurred on Tuesday after EFCC officials visited the hospital to verify a medical report submitted by a suspect currently in custody.

The anti-graft agency said the suspect is being investigated for allegedly defrauding several microfinance institutions, including the University of Uyo Microfinance Bank.

Panic reportedly broke out within the hospital premises after EFCC operatives arrived in two saloon vehicles and a tinted bus. Videos circulating online showed patients, visitors and workers fleeing as teargas canisters were fired during the commotion.

A professor of cardiothoracic surgery, Eyo Ekpe, was also reportedly arrested during the operation.

In a statement issued by EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale, the commission said it had earlier written two letters to the hospital management seeking clarification on the medical report but received no response.

Oyewale said the agency’s investigating officer had also previously visited the hospital for further enquiries before the latest operation.

The EFCC alleged that its officers were “locked in” at the facility and attacked by some hospital staff members.

“As a last resort, operatives of the Commission visited the Chief Medical Director of the hospital on Tuesday to make further enquiries, only to be locked in with a false alarm and subjected to unprovoked attack by misguided staff of the facility who pelted them with stones and other dangerous objects,” the statement said.

The commission further claimed that the hospital’s chief medical director ordered the gates shut, preventing the operatives from leaving peacefully despite intervention from the police.

The EFCC said its officers exercised restraint and exited the premises without disrupting hospital activities.

The agency also reminded public institutions and corporate organisations of their obligation to cooperate with lawful investigations.