The Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria has condemned the alleged assault and detention of Professor Eyo Ekpe and other medical workers by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital in Akwa Ibom State.
MDCAN described the incident as unacceptable and warned that it would resist every form of intimidation against its members by security agencies.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the association’s Publicity Secretary, Dr Taiwo Alatishe, called the incident a “dehumanising and barbaric display of power” carried out inside a healthcare facility.
The association said the incident involved Prof. Eyo Ekpe of the Department of Chemical Pathology at UUTH and reflected a serious disregard for professional ethics and human dignity.
Hospital Must Remain Safe, Says MDCAN
MDCAN stressed that hospitals should remain secure environments for both patients and healthcare workers.
“The hospital is a sanctuary for the sick and a professional workspace for lifesavers. It must remain safe, conducive and free from intimidation,” the statement said.
The association warned that violent actions within hospital premises could disrupt medical services and put patients’ lives at risk.
Investigation Underway
MDCAN said it had begun working with its UUTH chapter to investigate the incident fully. The association also confirmed ongoing engagement with relevant authorities to ensure accountability.
It demanded the immediate investigation and prosecution of the EFCC operatives linked to the alleged assault.
The association further urged doctors and healthcare workers to remain vigilant and report any form of harassment while carrying out their duties professionally.
NMA Declares Strike
Reports indicated that EFCC operatives entered the hospital during an investigation involving the verification of a medical report.
Four staff members, including the Deputy Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee, Prof. Effiong Ekpe, were reportedly arrested during the operation.
Witnesses claimed tension escalated after hospital workers resisted the arrest attempt.
Following the incident, the Akwa Ibom State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association declared an indefinite strike action.
The national leadership of the NMA also condemned the alleged assault and demanded the prosecution of the officers involved.
The EFCC later confirmed that it had opened an internal investigation into the matter after public criticism intensified.
