NMA Threatens N1bn Lawsuit against EFCC over ‘Assault of UUTH Doctors’

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 of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH).

On Tuesday, operatives of the EFCC stormed the facility and arrested Eyo Ekpe, a professor of cardiothoracic surgery and some other staff.

Videos circulating online showed workers, patients and visitors scampering for safety within the hospital premises after teargas canisters were dispersed.

However, Dele Oyewale, the EFCC’s head of media and publicity, defended the operation, saying the officers only visited the hospital to authenticate a medical report presented by a suspect who has been remanded over allegations of defrauding multiple microfinance banks, including the University of Uyo Microfinance Bank.

In a communiqué after an emergency general meeting held virtually on Tuesday, the association said it 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 University of Uyo Teaching Hospital premises on Tuesday and assaulted Ekpe before taking him into custody.

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

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

It also alleged that the state chairman of the association “was shoved and exposed to tear gas when he approached the scene seeking clarification from the operatives”.

Beyond the planned lawsuit, the association demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Ekpe and all detained doctors and hospital workers.

It 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 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.”