Akwa Ibom NMA Threatens N1bn Lawsuit Against EFCC Over Alleged Assault Of UUTH Doctors

The Akwa Ibom chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has threatened to sue the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the alleged assault of doctors and workers at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH).

The incident happened on Tuesday when EFCC officers stormed the hospital and arrested Professor Eyo Ekpe, a cardiothoracic surgeon, along with several hospital staff members.

Videos shared online showed panic inside the hospital as workers, patients, and visitors ran for safety after tear gas was released within the premises.

Reacting to the incident, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale said the officers only went to the hospital to confirm a medical report submitted by a suspect who is being investigated for allegedly defrauding several microfinance banks, including the University of Uyo Microfinance Bank.

After holding an emergency virtual meeting on Tuesday, the NMA announced in a communiqué that plans “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 claimed that armed and masked EFCC operatives invaded the hospital and assaulted Professor Ekpe before arresting him.

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 also alleged that “gunshots were reportedly fired within the hospital environment, while phones belonging to individuals recording the incident were allegedly confiscated”.

The NMA described the incident as “barbaric, degrading, inhumane, and a gross violation of the sanctity of the hospital environment”.

The group further stated that its state chairman  “was shoved and exposed to tear gas when he approached the scene seeking clarification from the operatives”.

In addition to the planned lawsuit, the association demanded the immediate release of Professor Ekpe and all detained medical workers.

It also called on the EFCC to publicly apologise to the professor, 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 communique 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.”

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