…Doctors kick, embark on indefinite strike as Police deny involvement
Uyo Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has explained why its operatives went to the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, UUTH, revealing that their intention was to make enquiry about a certain medical report submitted by one of its suspects.
The EFCC in a statement signed by its Head, Media and Publicity; Dele Oyewale
“The Tuesday, May 12, 2026, visit of operatives of the Uyo Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, UUTH, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State was informed by the need to authenticate a medical report presented by a suspect under remand by Justice M.A Onyetunu of the Federal High Court, Uyo, for allegedly defrauding multiple micro finance banks, including University of Uyo Micro Finance Bank.
“The suspect had presented a medical report which requires authentication by the UUTH management. The Commission wrote two different letters, dated March 11, 2026 and April 20, 2026, to the hospital management to this effect without receiving any response. The Investigating Officer handling the matter took the further step of visiting the hospital to enquire about the status of the request. Still, no response.
“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.
“While within the hospital, the CMD reportedly directed that gates of the facility be shut, making it impossible for any lawful enquiry to be made. 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.
“In spite of the hostility and provocation, there was no breakdown of law and order as the operatives exercised restraint and professionally made their ways out of the hospital premises without disrupting its activities.
“Enquiries bordering on operational engagements of the Commission are lawful. It is therefore necessary to remind the public and corporate bodies that they are obligated to cooperate with the agency in such circumstance. Contrary action could be deemed as obstruction, which is criminal with attendant legal consequences”.
…Nigerian Medical Association, Akwa Ibom State branch kicks, begins indefinite strike
“COMMUNIQUÉ ISSUED BY THE NIGERIAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION (NMA), AKWA IBOM STATE BRANCH AT THE END OF AN EMERGENCY GENERAL MEETING HELD VIRTUALLY VIA GOOGLE MEET ON 12TH MAY, 2026
PREAMBLE
“The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Akwa Ibom State Branch, held an Emergency General Meeting (EGM) virtually via Google Meet on Tuesday, 12th May, 2026, following the disturbing incident involving the alleged assault, brutalization, arrest, and detention of Professor Eyo Ekpe, Deputy Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee (DCMAC), University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH), Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery, alongside other staff members of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH), by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
OBSERVATIONS
Congress made the following observations:
“1. That Professor Eyo Ekpe was apprehended on Tuesday, 12th May, 2026, within the premises of UUTH by masked EFCC operatives who physically assaulted him, beat him severely to the point of bleeding, handcuffed him, and forcefully took him into custody alongside other doctors and hospital staff who attempted to intervene.
“2. That gunshots were reportedly fired within the hospital environment, while phones belonging to individuals recording the incident were allegedly confiscated.
3. That the incident was barbaric, degrading, inhumane, and a gross violation of the sanctity of the hospital environment, thereby putting staff and patients at risk and undermining the dignity of the medical profession.
“4. That the Chairman of NMA Akwa Ibom State Branch, Professor Aniekan Imo Peter, was shoved and exposed to tear gas when he approached the scene seeking clarification from the operatives.
5. That there was no formal invitation extended to Prof. Eyo Ekpe or the leadership of the NMA before the incident.
“6. That there has been a recurring pattern of harassment and assault of medical professionals and members of the Association by security agencies within Akwa Ibom State.
“RESOLUTIONS
After exhaustive deliberations, Congress unanimously resolved as follows:
1. To strongly condemn the invasion of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital by EFCC operatives and the assault on Professor Eyo Ekpe, doctors, and hospital staff.
“2. To direct that a press conference be convened immediately involving both state and national media to inform the public and formally condemn the incident and ensure wide publication of this communiqué and the resolutions of Congress in national and state dailies.
“3. To commence an immediate total and indefinite strike action and withdrawal of all medical services in Akwa Ibom State.
4. To demand the immediate and unconditional release of Prof. Eyo Ekpe and all detained members of NMA Akwa Ibom State Branch and staff of UUTH.
“5. To demand an unreserved public apology from the EFCC to:
– Professor Eyo Ekpe,
– The Chairman of NMA Akwa Ibom State Branch, and the entire medical community in Akwa Ibom State.
“6. To call for the identification and prosecution of all EFCC officers involved in the raid and assault at UUTH.
7. That no dialogue or negotiation shall be entertained by NMA Akwa Ibom State Branch with any government agency or authority until Professor Eyo Ekpe and all detained persons are released.
“8. To institute legal action against the EFCC with a demand for damages in the sum of One Billion Naira (₦1,000,000,000) for the physical, emotional, professional, and institutional damage caused.
“9. To reiterate that hospitals are sacred environments meant for the preservation of life and should never be subjected to violent invasions by security agencies.
CONCLUSION
“Congress further emphasized that this action shall serve as a deterrent against future harassment, intimidation, or assault of medical practitioners by any security agency.
The Association reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the welfare, dignity, and safety of all its members.
Signed:
Prof. Aniekan I. Peter
Chairman, NMA AKS
Dr Ighorodje Edesiri E
Secretary
NMA Akwa Ibom State
12.05.26”.
…Akwa Ibom Police denies involvement
“POLICE NOT INVOLVED IN ALLEGED ASSAULT AT UUTH — ONLINE REPORT FALSE, MISLEADING, AND DISTORTED
“The Akwa Ibom State Police Command wishes to categorically debunk the false and misleading narrative currently circulating on social media alleging that Policemen invaded the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH), assaulted medical personnel, and used force against hospital staff.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the operation in question was carried out solely by Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in the course of a lawful assignment.
The Command considers it necessary to clearly state the facts as follows:
“The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital placed a distress call to the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, reporting the presence of armed men within the hospital premises whose identities could not be immediately ascertained. The CMD further informed the CP that he had directed the closure of the hospital gates as a precautionary measure.
“Upon receipt of the report, the Commissioner of Police promptly deployed Police personnel to the hospital strictly to assess the situation and prevent any possible breakdown of law and order.
“On arrival, it was professionally confirmed that the Operatives involved were personnel of the EFCC carrying out a lawful operation. The CMD was immediately informed accordingly and advised to reopen the hospital gates to enable the EFCC personnel peacefully exit the premises.
“However, the advice was reportedly not complied with, thereby escalating tension within the environment. The EFCC Operatives, who were allegedly held within the premises and pelted with stones, eventually forced open the gate in order to exit the hospital premises.
“The Akwa Ibom State Police Command states unequivocally that at no time did Police personnel participate in the operation, assault any hospital staff, deploy teargas, or engage in any form of brutality as falsely portrayed in the viral reports.
“The Command strongly condemns the deliberate distortion of facts and the attempt to drag the Nigeria Police Force into an incident it neither initiated nor participated in. Such false narratives are capable of misleading the public, inciting unnecessary tension, and undermining public confidence.
Members of the public are therefore advised to disregard the sensational and inaccurate reports linking the Police to the incident, as they are entirely false and devoid of factual basis.
“The Akwa Ibom State Police Command remains committed to professionalism, lawful policing, and the protection of lives and property across the State.
Signed:
DSP Timfon John, LLB, Anipr
Police Public Relations Officer
For: Commissioner of Police
Akwa Ibom State Command
12/5/2026”.
