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UUTH Raid: EFCC to Discipline Officers as Olukoyede Orders Apology, Full Investigation

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UUTH Raid: EFCC to Discipline Officers as Olukoyede Orders Apology, Full Investigation

UUTH Raid: EFCC to Discipline Officers as Olukoyede Orders Apology, Full Investigation

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede, has promised that any officer found to have acted outside established professional standards will face disciplinary action following an incident involving operatives of the commission and staff of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital in Akwa Ibom State. The incident occurred on May 12, 2026, following a visit to the teaching hospital by armed commission agents who allegedly assaulted the Deputy Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee, Professor Eyo Ekpe, and four other staff members. The operation sparked widespread outrage among medical professionals nationwide, with the Nigerian Medical Association condemning what it described as a “gross abuse of power” and threatening legal action. Following a preliminary review of the incident, Olukoyede directed that an official apology be issued to Professor Ekpe and members of the Nigerian Medical Association. In a statement released on Monday via the EFCC’s official X handle, he stated that the decision was made to address concerns raised by the medical community and members of the public affected by the incident. He expressed regret over the development, stressing that the operatives’ conduct did not meet the commission’s expected standards. “While acknowledging that the well-being of Nigerians is at the core of the Commission’s mandate, he expressed regret at the discomfort the unfortunate episode caused staff of the hospital and members of the public,” the statement read.

Olukoyede also confirmed that a thorough inquiry into the incident had been ordered and that any officer found guilty would face internal disciplinary action. “Once the exercise is completed, any officer found to have acted outside the acceptable code of professional conduct would be subjected to the internal disciplinary process,” he said. The EFCC chairman further assured stakeholders that the agency would work closely with relevant bodies to prevent a recurrence of such incidents. Despite the uproar, Olukoyede insisted that the agency would continue to carry out its mandate of combating economic and financial crimes in Nigeria without distraction. He also urged the Nigerian Medical Association and other professional organizations to continue supporting the commission’s anti-corruption operations, emphasizing the importance of partnership in improving accountability and combatting corruption in Nigeria.

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The EFCC chairman’s directive for a probe and apology appears to contradict an earlier statement by the commission, which maintained that the operatives involved acted professionally and did not disrupt hospital activities. In a statement issued on Friday, May 15, 2026, the EFCC had insisted that the visit was “purely administrative” and not a raid. The commission said operatives from its Uyo zonal directorate visited the hospital solely to authenticate a document and not to carry out an arrest operation. “The presence of the Commission’s Operatives in the facility on Tuesday, May 12th, 2026 was purely administrative, to facilitate the authentication of a document, rather than a tactical operation to effect arrest,” the EFCC stated. The commission also denied allegations that its operatives arrested or brutalised hospital staff, stating that “no arrests were made and the staff of the hospital that followed our operatives to the Zonal Command were not detained.” However, the EFCC acknowledged being “outraged by the allegations of brutalisation” and noted that even though no physical evidence of bodily harm had been presented, it had ordered an investigation as a responsible organisation. “While awaiting the outcome of this inquiry, any staff of the Commission found to have deviated from the Standard Operating Procedure of the Agency, will not be spared,” the commission had stated.

Professor Eyo Ekpe, a cardiothoracic surgery professor at the teaching hospital, had previously accused EFCC agents of harassing and abusing him and other hospital employees during an attempted arrest over an alleged fraudulent medical report. During a press conference held last Wednesday, Ekpe described the circumstances leading up to the confrontation between EFCC officers and hospital staff, painting a picture of armed operatives storming his office without prior notification to hospital management. The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Akwa Ibom State chapter, went further, threatening a N1 billion lawsuit against the EFCC over the alleged assault. Addressing a press conference in Uyo, the state NMA Chairman, Professor Aniekan Peter, detailed the extent of the alleged assault with graphic specificity. “We observed that Prof Eyo Ekpe was apprehended within the premises of UUTH by masked EFCC operatives who physically assaulted him, beat him to the point of bleeding, handcuffed him alongside other doctors and hospital staff who attempted to intervene,” he said. He also alleged that he himself was affected during the incident, stating, “Professor Peter, Akwa Ibom NMA chairman, was shoved and exposed to teargas when he approached the scene seeking clarification from the operatives.” The NMA demanded an apology to the affected doctors, identification and prosecution of those involved in the operation, and compensation for damages. The association also declared that it would not provide medical services to EFCC officials or their relatives until its demands were addressed, a threat that would have crippled healthcare delivery for anti-graft agency personnel in the state. The Benue State branch of the NMA also condemned the incident, describing it as “disturbing, unacceptable, and a gross abuse of power.” The association maintained that no government agency, irrespective of its mandate, has the right to intimidate or humiliate healthcare workers or invade medical institutions in a manner that endangers staff and patients.

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The hospital’s Chief Medical Director, Professor Ememabasi Bassey, stated that Ekpe and four other employees were effectively arrested without prior notification to hospital administration. Bassey argued that the medical report in question was forged and suggested that officials at the institution may have worked with outsiders to create it. “One of the things we must get to the bottom of is how the lawyer handling the case got the fake medical report. There may be bad eggs within the hospital working with outsiders,” he said. Bassey berated the conduct of the operatives, saying they went directly to Ekpe’s office without notifying management or presenting an arrest warrant. “At no point did they come to look for the CMD, the CMAC, or the director of administration. They went to his office,” he said. The Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria and the Association of Resident Doctors, UUTH chapters, both criticized the incident and declared industrial action in response to the alleged attack and arrest. The groups demanded disciplinary action against the participating operatives, compensation and treatment for wounded workers, public apologies in two national publications, and repairs for property damage.

Following the direct intervention by the Akwa Ibom State Government, the industrial action embarked upon by workers of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital was suspended. The suspension became possible following a joint stakeholders’ meeting convened by the state government at the Old EXCO Chambers, Governor’s Office, Uyo. The meeting, which followed the directive of the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, was chaired by the Deputy Governor of the State, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, and brought together representatives of the state government, the EFCC, security agencies, management of UUTH, the Nigerian Medical Association, Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU), National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), and other health sector unions. In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, stakeholders described the incident as “unfortunate and entirely avoidable” while condemning the altercation in its entirety. The EFCC, through its representatives at the meeting, expressed regret over the incident and apologised to all affected parties, including the Chief Medical Director of UUTH, Professor Eyo Ekpe; JOHESU Chairman, Mr Akanubong Asuquo; NMA Chairman, Professor Aniekan Peter; and the NANNM, over what was described as the unruly conduct of its operatives during the operation at the hospital.

The anti-graft agency further assured stakeholders that a formal apology would be issued by its headquarters and pledged that such an occurrence would not happen again. As part of the resolutions reached, the EFCC and the management of UUTH are to establish effective communication channels to ensure the lawful and professional handling of any ongoing or future investigations involving the institution. The stakeholders also resolved that the government should actively participate in identifying individuals behind the alleged fake medical report connected to the matter and ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice. The Akwa Ibom State Government commended the Chairman of the EFCC for ordering an investigation into the incident, as well as the Honourable Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare for constituting a panel of inquiry. Meanwhile, the health sector unions expressed appreciation to Governor Umo Eno for his timely intervention in resolving the crisis and for his continued support to the healthcare sector. In what was widely regarded as a major outcome of the meeting, all health sector unions agreed, in the overriding interest of public health and industrial harmony, to suspend the strike action after consultation with their congresses. The meeting also resolved that all parties should refrain from further media exchanges capable of escalating tensions or prejudicing ongoing engagements. A liaison committee comprising representatives of the state government, UUTH management, the EFCC, and health sector unions is to be constituted to monitor the implementation of the resolutions reached and prevent the recurrence of similar incidents.

UUTH Raid: EFCC to Discipline Officers as Olukoyede Orders Apology, Full Investigation

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MURIC Appeals ISI Hijab Judgment, Seeks Stay of Execution

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July 4, 2026

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MURIC Appeals ISI Hijab Judgment, Seeks Stay of Execution
MURIC Oyo State General Secretary, Mallam Ibrahim Agunbiade

MURIC Appeals ISI Hijab Judgment, Seeks Stay of Execution

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), Oyo State Chapter, has filed a notice of appeal against the judgment of the Court of Appeal on the International School, University of Ibadan (ISI) hijab case and urged the school management not to enforce its directive banning the use of hijab pending the determination of its application for a stay of execution.

The organisation disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday by its General Secretary, Mallam Ibrahim Agunbiade, following a notice reportedly issued by the management of ISI directing that, with effect from Monday, July 6, 2026, female students would no longer be permitted to wear the hijab with the school uniform.

According to MURIC, the directive was based on the judgment delivered earlier on Friday by the Court of Appeal, Ibadan, which overturned the May 22, 2024, ruling of the Oyo State High Court that had recognised the right of 11 Muslim female students to wear the hijab as part of their school uniform.

The group, however, said it had immediately commenced the appellate process by filing and serving a Notice of Appeal, alongside a Motion for Stay of Execution/Injunction Pending Appeal before the appropriate court.

MURIC argued that the filing of the appeal means the legal dispute has not been concluded and that the rights of the affected Muslim students remain subject to further judicial determination.

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“The filing and service of these processes signify that the legal contest is far from concluded,” the organisation said.

It maintained that implementing the Court of Appeal judgment before the pending application for a stay of execution is determined would be inappropriate and could prejudice the judicial process.

The group therefore called on the management of the International School, University of Ibadan, to exercise restraint and refrain from enforcing the directive pending the court’s decision on its application.

According to MURIC, taking steps to implement the judgment at this stage could render the pending application ineffective and heighten tensions within the school community.

The organisation reiterated its commitment to resolving the dispute through lawful means, stressing that the protection of fundamental rights and peaceful coexistence can only be guaranteed through respect for due process and judicial proceedings.

MURIC also appealed to Muslim parents, guardians, students and members of the Muslim community to remain calm, peaceful and law-abiding while the legal process continues.

It urged stakeholders to avoid any action capable of disrupting public peace, expressing confidence that the courts would ultimately determine the matter in accordance with the Constitution and the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing all available legal remedies in defence of what it described as the constitutional rights of Muslim students.

The latest development comes hours after the Court of Appeal, in a split decision, held that ISI is a private school because it does not receive direct government subventions and ruled that the Supreme Court’s earlier judgment recognising the right of Muslim students to wear the hijab applies only to publicly funded schools.

The appellate court also held that the affected students voluntarily accepted the school’s dress code upon admission. However, it upheld the finding that confining the students to the school library over their use of the hijab violated their rights, although it reduced the damages awarded by the High Court.

The case is expected to proceed to the Supreme Court, where the final determination on the dispute over the use of the hijab at ISI will be made.

 

MURIC Appeals ISI Hijab Judgment, Seeks Stay of Execution

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Igboho’s Iru Ekun, Police IRT Free Kidnapped Mother, Two-Year-Old Son in Kwara Forest

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July 4, 2026

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Igboho's Iru Ekun, Police IRT Free Kidnapped Mother, Two-Year-Old Son in Kwara Forest
Igboho's Iru Ekun, Police IRT Free Kidnapped Mother, Two-Year-Old Son in Kwara Forest

Igboho’s Iru Ekun, Police IRT Free Kidnapped Mother, Two-Year-Old Son in Kwara Forest

IBADAN – A combined team of operatives from the Nigeria Police Force Intelligence Response Team (IRT) and the Iru Ekun Security Network, a private security outfit led by Yoruba Nation activist Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has successfully rescued a woman and her two-year-old son who were abducted in Oyo State .

The victims, identified as Adijat Kubura Aliqlas (also known as Alhaja Kuburat Hamzat) and her son Abdulmalik, regained their freedom during a coordinated rescue operation in the Bode Sadu forest area near Jebba in Kwara State . The mother and child were abducted from Igbope, a community in Oorelope Local Government Area of Oyo State, which is a neighbouring community to Igboho, the hometown of the Yoruba Nation agitator .

The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Saturday by Igboho’s media office and made available to journalists in Ibadan . According to the statement, operatives of the Nigeria Police Force Intelligence Response Team (IRT), working alongside members of Igboho’s security outfit, engaged the kidnappers in a fierce gun battle during the early hours of Saturday, leading to the successful rescue of the victims . The statement explained that the operation, which lasted about three days, was made possible through intelligence gathering, persistent tracking, and a strategy that involved luring the abductors with a ransom payment . It added that the kidnappers fled into the forest with gunshot wounds after the exchange of fire, abandoning their captives .

Igboho provided a detailed account of the operation, stating that his team members, together with ASP Amos Ajegoke and other police officers, had been in the forest for days tracking the movement of the hoodlums to ascertain their location . He explained that on July 2, they discovered the kidnappers were around Bode Sadu before Jebba, and they moved there, remaining in the area until Friday night . He recounted that around midnight, the kidnappers came to collect the ransom as agreed, at which point they launched an attack in the forest, leading to an exchange of gunfire . They pursued the suspects and combed the forest, causing the kidnappers to flee and abandon Adijat Kubura and Abdulmalik . Igboho added that they later heard the victims’ voices calling for help and traced them to where they had been abandoned . The victims were rescued and taken to Igboho General Hospital, where they are currently receiving medical attention .

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The statement attributed the success of the operation to the support of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun (some reports also name the IGP as Tunji Disu), noting that the IGP coordinated with the Commissioners of Police in Kwara and Niger states throughout the operation . Reports also indicated the involvement of the Department of State Services (DSS) in the rescue efforts . The collaboration among security agencies contributed significantly to the success of the rescue mission after several days of tracking the suspects through the forests .

The rescue operation comes amid growing insecurity in the Oke-Ogun region of Oyo State and parts of Kwara State. About 20 traditional rulers from Kwara South Senatorial District who fled their communities due to persistent bandit attacks have reportedly engaged the services of Igboho’s Iru Ekun security outfit to help flush out criminal elements and restore peace to affected areas . Igboho recently unveiled the Iru Ekun Security Network, a private security outfit established to support efforts to improve security in Yoruba communities . According to its promoters, Iru Ekun is a regional security force with 50,000 members ready to combat gunmen, kidnappers and bandits across the South-West . The emergence of Iru Ekun has sparked public discussions about regional security outfits and concerns over alleged ethnic profiling, with some Fulani residents expressing fear over what they described as the targeting of their communities .

Confirming the release, a statement issued on behalf of the family of late Alhaji Jimoh Olode described the development as a moment of immense gratitude and relief . The family appreciated security agencies and all individuals who contributed to securing the victims’ release, describing their efforts and dedication as commendable . It was further gathered that the victims’ family had earlier paid an initial ransom of ₦30 million before the rescue operation . The abductors had initially demanded ₦300 million before reportedly reducing the ransom to ₦150 million .

While the woman and her son have been rescued, an engineer who was reportedly abducted alongside them has yet to regain freedom . Recounting her ordeal after her release, the woman said she and her child were separated from the third victim on the day of the abduction and had no information about where the engineer was taken . Security operatives have reportedly launched a manhunt for the fleeing suspects .

Igboho reiterated his commitment to protecting lives and property in Oke-Ogun and other parts of Oyo State, assuring residents that lawful efforts would continue to support peace and security . He also urged Nigerians to remain calm, support legitimate security operations and refrain from spreading unverified information capable of causing unnecessary panic .

Igboho’s Iru Ekun, Police IRT Free Kidnapped Mother, Two-Year-Old Son in Kwara Forest

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Islamic Scholar Cautions Students Against Wasteful ‘Signing-Out’ Shirt Tradition

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July 4, 2026

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Islamic Scholar Cautions Students Against Wasteful 'Signing-Out' Shirt Tradition

Islamic Scholar Cautions Students Against Wasteful ‘Signing-Out’ Shirt Tradition

The Grand Imam of the Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology (OYSCATECH), Igboora, Imam Alli Ismail Adebayo, has urged graduating students to avoid extravagance and un-Islamic practices associated with the increasingly popular “signing-out” shirt tradition observed at the end of examinations.

In a statement titled “Extravagance or Celebrations? An Islamic Perspective on Signing-Out Shirt Traditions,” the Islamic scholar said while Islam permits believers to celebrate lawful achievements, such celebrations should be guided by the principles of moderation, gratitude and modesty.

According to the cleric, completing one’s studies is a blessing deserving of thanksgiving to Allah, stressing that Islam does not forbid expressions of joy over academic success.

He cited verses from the Qur’an, including Qur’an 10:58 and Qur’an 14:7, to support the position that Muslims are encouraged to rejoice in Allah’s blessings and express gratitude for His favours.

However, Imam Adebayo warned that the practice of purchasing white shirts solely for classmates to sign and then discarding them could amount to isrāf (extravagance) and tabdhīr (wastefulness), both of which are prohibited in Islam.

He referenced Qur’an 7:31, which cautions believers against extravagance, and Qur’an 17:26–27, where wastefulness is strongly condemned.

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According to him, if the shirts are rendered unusable or thrown away after the celebration, such actions become blameworthy because they involve the unnecessary destruction of property.

The cleric explained that where the clothing remains usable after being signed and the activity does not involve unnecessary spending, the level of concern is reduced, although he maintained that Muslims should still avoid adopting customs that offer little meaningful benefit.

Imam Adebayo also cautioned against blindly imitating social trends without considering their compatibility with Islamic values.

Quoting a saying of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), he said Muslims should be mindful of practices that encourage extravagance, vanity or behaviour inconsistent with Islamic teachings.

He further reminded students that wealth is a trust from Allah and that every individual would be accountable for how they acquire and spend their resources.

The scholar also emphasised the importance of modesty during graduation celebrations, warning against activities that promote indecent messages, inappropriate drawings, free mixing between male and female students or other forms of behaviour prohibited in Islam.

Drawing on the opinions of renowned Islamic scholars, including Ibn Kathir, Ibn Taymiyyah, Ibn al-Qayyim, and Muhammad ibn Salih al-Uthaymin, Imam Adebayo noted that customs are generally permissible unless they involve sin, wastefulness or conflict with Islamic principles.

He explained that celebrations become objectionable when they encourage showing off, excessive spending or neglect of religious obligations.

The cleric outlined circumstances under which the signing-out tradition could be considered permissible, saying it would be acceptable if students merely exchanged congratulatory messages, avoided offensive words or images, ensured the shirts remained usable and refrained from unlawful interactions or extravagant spending.

Conversely, he said the practice becomes discouraged if it is pursued simply to imitate fashionable trends or encourage vanity, and prohibited where it involves destroying clothing, indecent content, unlawful interaction between the sexes, or activities such as immoral entertainment and other acts forbidden under Islamic law.

Imam Adebayo encouraged graduating students to adopt more meaningful ways of celebrating the completion of their studies, urging them to prioritise gratitude to Allah, moderation and responsible use of resources.

He concluded by praying for divine guidance for students and the wider Muslim community, stressing that genuine celebrations should reflect faith, gratitude and good character rather than temporary social trends.

This version is written in a conventional newspaper style, presenting the cleric’s views objectively while maintaining readability and journalistic balance.

Islamic Scholar Cautions Students Against Wasteful ‘Signing-Out’ Shirt Tradition

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