Doctors Declare Indefinite Strike Over Alleged EFCC Assault at UUTH

Doctors Declare Indefinite Strike Over Alleged EFCC Assault at UUTH

Healthcare services across Akwa Ibom State have been disrupted after the state chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) commenced an indefinite strike over the alleged assault and arrest of medical personnel by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH).

The industrial action followed outrage over a controversial operation carried out by EFCC operatives at the teaching hospital, which doctors described as “barbaric, degrading and inhumane.”

According to the association, the incident involved the arrest of Prof. Eyo Ekpe, a prominent cardiothoracic surgeon and Deputy Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee at UUTH, alongside other hospital workers.

In a communiqué issued after an emergency virtual congress, the Akwa Ibom NMA leadership accused masked EFCC operatives of storming the hospital premises without prior notification, physically assaulting medical personnel and disrupting hospital activities.

The communiqué, signed by the state NMA Chairman, Prof. Aniekan Peter, and Secretary, Dr. Ighorodje Edesiri, alleged that Prof. Ekpe was brutalised, handcuffed and taken away before patients and healthcare workers during the operation.

The doctors also claimed that some hospital staff members who attempted to intervene were assaulted and detained by the operatives.

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According to the association, gunshots and tear gas were allegedly used within the hospital environment, causing panic among patients, visitors and workers. The NMA further alleged that mobile phones belonging to individuals recording the incident were seized during the operation.

The association additionally accused EFCC operatives of pushing and exposing the NMA state chairman to tear gas while he attempted to seek clarification regarding the operation.

Doctors maintained that neither Prof. Ekpe nor the hospital management received any formal invitation or prior communication from the anti-graft agency before the raid.

Following the emergency meeting, the NMA announced an “immediate total and indefinite withdrawal of medical services” across Akwa Ibom State pending the release of all detained doctors and hospital workers.

The association stated that it would not entertain dialogue or negotiations with any government agency until all affected medical personnel are released.

The doctors also threatened a N1 billion lawsuit against the EFCC, citing what they described as physical, emotional, professional and institutional damages resulting from the operation.

According to the association, the legal action is aimed at preventing future harassment and intimidation of healthcare professionals by security agencies.

“Hospitals are sacred environments meant for the preservation of life and should never be subjected to violent invasions by security agencies,” the association stated.

Meanwhile, the Chief Medical Director of UUTH, Prof. Ememabasi Bassey, alleged that EFCC operatives entered the hospital without presenting a warrant or informing management before carrying out the arrests.

Bassey also claimed that the medical report being investigated by the EFCC was fake, suggesting possible collaboration between insiders and external actors in producing the document.

However, the EFCC has denied allegations of brutality and unlawful conduct during the operation.

In a statement, the anti-graft agency explained that its operatives visited the hospital to verify a medical report submitted by a suspect currently facing trial over alleged fraud involving several microfinance banks, including the University of Uyo Microfinance Bank.

The commission claimed it had previously written to the hospital management seeking clarification about the medical report but received no response.

The EFCC further alleged that some hospital staff attacked its operatives and prevented them from leaving the premises during the operation.

The controversy has continued to spark reactions nationwide, with civil society groups, healthcare stakeholders and many Nigerians condemning the invasion of a teaching hospital and calling for restraint by security agencies.

Doctors Declare Indefinite Strike Over Alleged EFCC Assault at UUTH