Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has condemned in the strongest terms the alleged assault, brutalisation, arrest, and detention of Professor Eyo Ekpe, Deputy Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee (DCMAC) of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH), along with three other medical staff, by suspected operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The association declared full solidarity with the Akwa Ibom State branch of the NMA and issued a sweeping directive to all state and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) branches on how to respond to future incidents of unlawful harassment of doctors by law enforcement agents.
A statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary of the NMA, Professor Olayinka Atilola, and made available to newsmen on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, confirmed that the National Officers Committee (NOC), led by Dr (Prof) Afekhide Ernest Omoti, has been fully briefed on the incident and has begun high‑level engagements to get to the root of the matter. The NOC described the alleged conduct of the EFCC operatives within the premises of a public hospital and against medical personnel in the course of their daily duty of rendering life‑saving services as “reckless and barbaric.”
“The NOC condemns, in the strongest possible terms, such alleged reckless and barbaric behaviors allegedly displayed by operatives of the EFCC within the premises of a public hospital and against medical personnel in the course of their daily duty of rendering life‑saving services,” the statement read. “The National Officers Committee has begun high‑level engagements to get to the root of this matter and seek redress at the highest quarters. This NOC will not tolerate continuing harassment of doctors in any form whatsoever.”
The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, brought activities at the facility to a halt. Reports indicated that EFCC officials, while attempting to arrest Professor Ekpe on a court warrant, met resistance from other staff members. The hospital security locked the gate, barring their exit from the facility, leading to a tense standoff that disrupted medical services and affected patients. The EFCC claimed its operatives were attacked by “misguided staff,” while the NMA and other medical unions accused the anti‑graft agency of using excessive force and showing disrespect for the hospital environment. The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has since directed its members in UUTH to withdraw services, joining the strike action already initiated by other health unions.
In response to the incident, the NMA’s National Officers Committee issued three directives. First, the NOC affirmed that the Akwa Ibom State branch of the NMA has the full support of the national body, and that the NOC approves of all lawful measures the branch has taken so far, including any other such lawful actions they may take in the near future, to seek complete redress on the matter. Second, the NOC directed that henceforth, in any event of unlawful and unwarranted harassment of any doctor in the course of duty elsewhere, the leadership of all state and FCT branches where such incidents occur must demand the identification and prosecution of any such law enforcement agents. Third, the NOC stated that this demand must be the minimum demand for truce at all times.
However, the association was careful to clarify that nothing in the directive suggests that law enforcement agents should not carry out their lawful duties. The statement stressed that such activities must be in accordance with the highest ethical standards for law enforcement, the rule of law, decorum, and common decency expected of modern law enforcement establishments. “It must, however, be noted, by all law enforcement agencies and members of public, that nothing in this directive suggests that law enforcement agents should not carry out their lawful duties, but that such activities must be in accordance with highest ethical standards for law enforcement, rule of law, decorum and common decency expected of modern law enforcement establishments,” the statement concluded.
The NMA’s directive represents a significant escalation in the ongoing standoff between the medical community and the EFCC. The association has effectively placed all state and FCT branches on notice, requiring them to take proactive legal action whenever a doctor is unlawfully harassed. The directive also serves as a warning to law enforcement agencies that the NMA will no longer tolerate the arrest or detention of medical personnel without proper identification, justification, and respect for the medical environment.
As of press time, the EFCC had not issued a formal response to the NMA’s statement. However, the commission had previously stated that its operatives were acting on a valid court warrant and that they were forced to use restraint after being locked inside the hospital premises and attacked. The court has since ordered the remand of Professor Ekpe, and the case is expected to be heard on a later date. The UUTH remains under tension, with medical services severely limited as resident doctors and other health workers continue their strike action.
The NMA has promised to keep the public informed of further developments as the national leadership continues its engagement with relevant authorities. The association’s firm stance has been welcomed by many doctors across the country, who have long complained of harassment by security agencies. Whether the directive will lead to a change in the conduct of law enforcement agents or result in a protracted legal and political battle remains to be seen.
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