NMA Demands ₦1bn Damages After Alleged EFCC Attack on Doctor

Nigerian Medical Association(NMA)

NMA Demands ₦1bn Damages After Alleged EFCC Attack on Doctor

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Akwa Ibom State has threatened a ₦1 billion lawsuit against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and ordered the withdrawal of medical services following an alleged violent confrontation involving EFCC operatives at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH).

The dispute stems from an incident reportedly involving a senior cardiothoracic surgeon, Professor Eyo Ekpe, during an EFCC operation at the hospital premises in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

Addressing journalists on Wednesday, the Akwa Ibom NMA Chairman, Professor Aniekan Peter, accused EFCC operatives of storming the hospital on Tuesday while investigating a fraud-related case involving a suspect receiving medical care at the facility. He alleged that masked operatives forcefully apprehended Professor Ekpe inside the hospital environment and assaulted him “to the point of bleeding,” before handcuffing him alongside other medical staff who attempted to intervene. He further claimed that the incident disrupted hospital activities and violated the sanctity of healthcare facilities, which are expected to remain safe spaces for both patients and medical professionals.

Professor Peter also alleged that he was shoved and exposed to teargas while attempting to engage the operatives for clarification during the incident, describing the operation as “barbaric, degrading and inhuman” and insisting it amounted to physical, emotional, and institutional abuse of medical personnel.

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, however, denied allegations of brutality, stating that its operatives only visited the hospital to verify a medical report submitted by a suspect under investigation. The Commission said its officers engaged hospital authorities, including the Chief Medical Director, and later withdrew peacefully after encountering resistance during initial inquiries. It maintained that the visit did not disrupt hospital operations and was carried out in line with standard investigative procedures.

In a communiqué issued after an emergency meeting, the NMA declared its intention to seek ₦1 billion in damages from the EFCC over the alleged assault. The communiqué, signed by Professor Aniekan Peter, Secretary Dr. Ighorodje Edesiri, and read by Assistant Secretary Dr. Unyime Ndoh, also demanded a public apology and the prosecution of officers allegedly involved in the incident.

The association further announced an indefinite withdrawal of services in the state until its demands are met. It also stated that its members would suspend medical services to EFCC personnel and their relatives until the matter is resolved.

The NMA stressed that hospitals must remain protected environments where doctors can carry out their duties without intimidation or interference from security agencies. It warned that failure to address the incident could set a dangerous precedent for future interactions between law enforcement agencies and healthcare institutions.

The development has sparked renewed debate over how security operatives conduct enforcement operations in sensitive medical environments, where patient care is ongoing. As of press time, the EFCC has not issued any further statement beyond its initial clarification.