The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Akwa Ibom State has declared an indefinite strike following allegations of assault, arrest, and detention of medical personnel at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH) by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The decision was reached during an emergency virtual congress held on Tuesday, where members condemned what they described as an invasion of the hospital premises and demanded the immediate release of Professor Eyo Ekpe, Deputy Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee at UUTH, along with other detained staff.
In a communiqué signed by State Chairman Professor Aniekan Peter and Secretary Dr. Ighorodje Edesiri, the association alleged that Professor Ekpe was assaulted, handcuffed, and forcibly taken away by masked operatives within the hospital.
The NMA further claimed that gunshots were fired during the operation, while phones belonging to individuals attempting to record the incident were seized. It described the development as “barbaric” and a violation of the sanctity of the hospital environment.
The association also alleged that its State Chairman was shoved and exposed to tear gas while attempting to intervene and seek clarification from the operatives.
Following deliberations, the NMA announced an immediate and indefinite withdrawal of medical services across Akwa Ibom State, insisting that no form of dialogue would be considered until all detained members are released.
It further demanded a public apology from the EFCC, the prosecution of officers allegedly involved in the operation, and announced plans to institute legal action against the commission, seeking ₦1 billion in damages.
Meanwhile, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has denied the allegations, stating that its operatives visited the hospital to verify a medical report submitted by a suspect standing trial for alleged fraud involving multiple microfinance banks.
In a statement posted on its official Facebook page, the commission said it had earlier written two letters to the hospital management seeking clarification on the medical report but received no response.
The EFCC explained that its officials later visited the hospital as a last resort for clarification, but were allegedly attacked by some staff members who pelted them with stones and other objects.
The commission also alleged that hospital management ordered the closure of the facility’s gates, making it difficult for its operatives to exit peacefully.
However, the EFCC maintained that its officers acted professionally and exercised restraint during the encounter, stressing that cooperation with lawful investigations remains a civic obligation.
