Former Peter Obi has criticised the raid by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) operatives on University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, describing the use of teargas inside the medical facility as reckless and dangerous.

According to Punch Newspapers, Obi said on Thursday that although the EFCC has constitutional powers to carry out investigations, the operation at the Uyo hospital raised serious concerns over how some agencies exercise that authority.

The Labour Party figure said reports showed EFCC operatives fired teargas canisters within the hospital during Tuesday’s operation, forcing patients and medical workers to flee. He said the action endangered lives and disrupted healthcare delivery at a critical institution.

The raid was linked to the verification of a medical report submitted in a case before the Federal High Court in Uyo. The visit reportedly escalated into a clash, with claims that teargas and live rounds were discharged. Four hospital workers, including Professor Effiong Ekpe, were arrested, while others sustained injuries.

Obi said the arrest of a specialist surgeon in such circumstances sent the wrong message to healthcare workers already under pressure in Nigeria’s overstretched medical system. He noted that only about 80 cardiothoracic surgeons currently serve Nigeria’s population, with Professor Ekpe reportedly the only one based in Akwa Ibom State.

He argued that no official assignment justified deploying teargas in a hospital, stressing that public institutions must uphold civility and respect for citizens.

The hospital’s Chief Medical Director, Professor Ememabasi Bassey, said the EFCC team arrived without prior notice to management and without presenting a warrant. He also said the medical report being investigated was fake and suggested possible internal collaboration.

The EFCC has denied invading the hospital. Its spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, said officers were there on official duty. Meanwhile, medical unions at the hospital have begun an indefinite strike, demanding sanctions against the operatives involved, compensation for injured staff and repairs to damaged property.