The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Akwa Ibom State branch, has threatened legal action against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the alleged assault of doctors and staff at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH).
On Tuesday, operatives of the EFCC stormed the hospital and arrested Eyo Ekpe, a professor of cardiothoracic surgery, alongside some other staff members.
Videos circulating online showed workers, patients, and visitors running for safety within the hospital premises after teargas canisters were reportedly fired.
However, Dele Oyewale, EFCC spokesperson, defended the operation, stating that the officers visited the hospital to verify a medical report presented by a suspect currently in remand over allegations of defrauding multiple microfinance banks, including the University of Uyo Microfinance Bank.
In a communiqué issued after an emergency virtual meeting held on Tuesday, the NMA said it had resolved “to institute legal action against the EFCC with a demand for damages in the sum of One Billion Naira (N1,000,000,000) for the physical, emotional, professional, and institutional damage caused”.
The association alleged that masked EFCC operatives invaded the hospital premises and assaulted Ekpe before taking him into custody.
According to the NMA, the professor “was physically assaulted, beat him severely to the point of bleeding, handcuffed him, and forcefully taken into custody alongside other doctors and hospital staff who attempted to intervene”.
The association further alleged that “gunshots were reportedly fired within the hospital environment, while phones belonging to individuals recording the incident were allegedly confiscated”.
Describing the incident, the NMA said the operation was “barbaric, degrading, inhumane, and a gross violation of the sanctity of the hospital environment”.
The association also claimed that its state chairman “was shoved and exposed to tear gas when he approached the scene seeking clarification from the operatives”.
Beyond the proposed lawsuit, the NMA demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Ekpe and all detained doctors and hospital workers.
The association also called for “an unreserved public apology from the EFCC” to Ekpe, the NMA chairman, and the medical community in Akwa Ibom State.
“Hospitals are sacred environments meant for the preservation of life and should never be subjected to violent invasions by security agencies,” the communiqué reads.
“Congress further emphasized that this action shall serve as a deterrent against future harassment, intimidation, or assault of medical practitioners by any security agency.”