The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Akwa Ibom State chapter, has threatened to file a N1 billion lawsuit against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over the alleged assault of one of its members, Professor Eyo Ekpe, during a raid at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital.
The association said the planned legal action followed what it described as physical, emotional, professional and institutional damages allegedly caused during the operation carried out by EFCC operatives on Tuesday.
According to reports, EFCC officials stormed the hospital while investigating a fraud case involving a suspect. The commission said the visit was aimed at verifying a medical report submitted by the suspect.
In its explanation, the anti-graft agency stated that its operatives later approached the hospital’s Chief Medical Director “as a last resort to make further enquiries,” but claimed they encountered resistance.
The EFCC added that its team eventually withdrew from the hospital premises without disrupting medical activities.
However, the NMA alleged that the operation turned violent and led to the assault of Professor Ekpe, a cardiothoracic surgeon at the hospital.
Speaking during a press conference in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, NMA Chairman, Professor Aniekan Peter, said the association reached the decision to institute legal action after an emergency meeting.
He stated, “We observed that 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, handcuffed him alongside other doctors and hospital staff who attempted to intervene.”
Professor Peter also claimed he was affected during the incident.
“Professor Peter, Akwa Ibom NMA chairman, was shoved and exposed to teargas when he approached the scene seeking clarification from the operatives,” he alleged.
The association described hospitals as sacred environments that should not be subjected to violent security operations.
It added, “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 communique, read by the association’s Assistant Secretary, Dr Unyime Ndoh, and endorsed by Professor Peter and Secretary Dr Ighorodje Edesiri, stated that members would not resume work until their demands are met.
Among the demands are a formal apology to the affected doctors and the identification and prosecution of officers allegedly involved in the operation.
The NMA further claimed there was no prior formal invitation to Professor Ekpe or the leadership of the association before the incident occurred.
The association described the raid as “barbaric, degrading, inhuman and a gross violation of the sanctity of the hospital environment.”
It also warned that its members would suspend medical services to EFCC officials and their relatives until the matter is resolved.
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