Akwa Ibom doctors demand N1bn damages over EFCC raid on UUTH

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Akwa Ibom State branch, has announced plans to sue the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for N1bn over alleged assault on one of its members, Professor Eyo Ekpe, during a recent operation at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH).

The association said the planned legal action followed what it described as physical, emotional, professional and institutional damage inflicted on doctors during the EFCC raid on the hospital on Tuesday.

According to reports, EFCC operatives stormed the teaching hospital while investigating a fraud-related case involving a suspect, with the agency stating that the visit was to verify a medical report submitted in the course of its investigation.

The commission further explained that its officers later visited the Chief Medical Director of the hospital as a “last resort” to obtain clarification, adding that the team withdrew without disrupting hospital activities after encountering resistance.

However, the NMA strongly condemned the operation, alleging that Professor Ekpe, a cardiothoracic surgeon, was assaulted during the incident.

Speaking at a press briefing in Uyo after an emergency meeting, the state NMA Chairman, Professor Aniekan Peter, said the association had resolved to take legal action against the anti-graft agency.

He alleged that masked operatives manhandled Professor Ekpe within the hospital premises.

“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, and handcuffed him alongside other doctors and staff who attempted to intervene,” he said.

Professor Peter also claimed he was affected during the confrontation, alleging that he was shoved and exposed to tear gas while trying to intervene and seek clarification.

The association described the hospital environment as a “sacred space” that must not be subjected to forceful or violent enforcement operations by security agencies.

In its communique read by Assistant Secretary Dr Unyime Ndoh and endorsed by the leadership, the NMA stated that it would seek N1bn in damages for what it termed violations of medical professionals and institutional dignity.

“We shall institute a legal action against the EFCC with a demand for damages in the sum of N1bn for the physical, emotional, professional and institutional damages caused,” the statement read.

The association also demanded a public apology to the affected doctors, as well as the identification and prosecution of officers involved in the operation.

It further stated that no prior formal invitation was extended to Professor Ekpe or the NMA leadership before the incident, describing the raid as “barbaric, degrading and a gross violation of the sanctity of the hospital environment.”

In addition, the association announced a boycott stance, stating it would not provide medical services to EFCC officials or their relatives until its demands are addressed.

As of the time of filing this report, the EFCC had maintained that its operatives acted within investigative procedures and withdrew without disrupting hospital operations.