The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Akwa Ibom State chapter, says it will file a N1 billion lawsuit against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), alleging assault on one of its members during a raid at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital.
The association said Wednesday that the planned legal action followed what it described as physical, emotional, professional and institutional damage suffered during the EFCC operation on Tuesday.
EFCC operatives had reportedly stormed the hospital while investigating a fraud case involving a suspect. The commission said the visit was intended to verify a medical report submitted by the suspect.
The agency said its operatives later visited the hospital’s chief medical director “as a last resort” to seek clarification, but claimed they were met with resistance and withdrew without disrupting hospital operations.
The NMA, however, alleged that Prof. Eyo Ekpe, a cardiothoracic surgeon at the hospital, was assaulted during the operation.
At a news conference in Uyo, state NMA Chairman Prof. Aniekan Peter said the decision to sue was reached at an emergency meeting of the association.
“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,” Peter said.
He also alleged that he was shoved and exposed to tear gas while trying to intervene at the scene.
The association described the hospital environment as “sacred” and said it should not be subjected to violent operations by security agencies.
It said it would seek N1 billion in damages for what it called physical, emotional, professional and institutional harm caused by the incident.
The communique, read by Assistant Secretary Dr. Unyime Ndoh and signed by Peter and Secretary Dr. Ighorodje Edesiri, also called for an apology and the identification and prosecution of those involved in the operation.
The NMA said no prior formal invitation was issued to Prof. Ekpe or its leadership before the incident, describing the operation as “barbaric, degrading, inhuman and a gross violation of the sanctity of the hospital environment.”
It added that members would not resume work unless their demands were met and said it would suspend medical services to EFCC officials and their relatives until the matter is resolved.
