Amanze Chinonye
The Nigerian Medical Association and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission are at odds over an incident at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH), Akwa Ibom State, involving the alleged harassment of medical personnel by operatives of the anti-graft agency, Prime Business Africa reports.
The dispute followed allegations by the NMA that Professor Eyo Ekpe, Deputy Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee of UUTH, alongside other healthcare workers, was assaulted, brutalised, arrested and detained by suspected EFCC operatives while carrying out official duties within the hospital premises.
In a directive issued to chairmen of its state and Federal Capital Territory branches, the NMA condemned what it described as the “reckless and barbaric” conduct of the operatives, saying the incident amounted to harassment of doctors engaged in life-saving services.
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The statement, signed by the association’s National Publicity Secretary, Olayinka Atilola, said the National Officers Committee of the NMA, led by its President, Afekhide Ernest Omoti, had commenced high-level engagements to seek redress over the matter.
“The National Officers Committee has begun high-level engagements to get to the root of this matter and seek redress at the highest quarters. This NOC will not tolerate continuing harassment of doctors in any form whatsoever,” the statement read.
The association expressed full support for actions already taken by its Akwa Ibom State branch and directed all state and FCT branches to demand the identification and prosecution of law enforcement agents involved in unlawful harassment of doctors while on duty.
The NMA also stated that such demands should constitute the minimum condition for truce in similar incidents involving medical personnel and security agencies.
The association, however, clarified that it was not opposed to legitimate law enforcement activities, provided they were conducted in line with the rule of law, professionalism and accepted ethical standards.
Responding to the allegations, the EFCC denied any wrongdoing and said its operatives visited the hospital on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, to authenticate a medical report presented by a suspect standing trial before Justice M.A. Onyetunu of the Federal High Court in Uyo.
According to the commission, the suspect is being prosecuted for allegedly defrauding several microfinance banks, including the University of Uyo Microfinance Bank.
The agency said it had written two letters to the hospital management on March 11 and April 20, 2026, requesting confirmation of the medical report but received no response.
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The EFCC stated that the investigating officer handling the case subsequently visited the hospital to follow up on the request but was still unable to obtain clarification.
“As a last resort, operatives of the Commission visited the Chief Medical Director of the hospital on Tuesday to make further enquiries, only to be locked in with a false alarm and subjected to unprovoked attack by misguided staff of the facility who pelted them with stones and other dangerous objects,” the commission said in a statement.
The anti-graft agency further alleged that the Chief Medical Director ordered the closure of the hospital gates, making it difficult for operatives to leave the premises despite intervention by the police.
“Police authorities in Akwa Ibom State advised the CMD to open the hospital gates to enable the operatives exit the premises peacefully but the entreaties were turned down,” the EFCC added.
The commission maintained that its operatives exercised restraint throughout the incident and left the premises without disrupting hospital activities.
It also reminded members of the public and institutions of their obligation to cooperate with lawful investigations, warning that obstruction of its operations could attract legal consequences.
The confrontation has heightened concerns within the medical community over the safety of healthcare workers and the conduct of law enforcement operations within hospital environments, particularly in facilities providing emergency and critical care services.
The NMA’s directive to all state and FCT branches is also being viewed as a significant escalation of the dispute, signalling the possibility of coordinated responses by doctors nationwide if similar incidents recur.
Observers say the development underscores growing concerns over the balance between law enforcement investigations and the autonomy of medical institutions handling sensitive clinical and patient-related matters.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
