NMA Condemns EFCC Raid on UUTH, Demands Public Enquiry by Tinubu

The Nigerian Medical Association has condemned the invasion of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, describing the action as reckless, unacceptable, and a harassment of medical professionals.

In a statement issued on Friday and signed by the NMA National Publicity Secretary, Olayinka Atilola, the association alleged that EFCC operatives invaded the hospital premises on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, targeting the Deputy Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee (DCMAC), Prof. Eyo Ekpe.

President of the NMA, Afekhide Ernest Omoti, condemned the operation, saying the association would no longer tolerate harassment and intimidation of doctors and health workers while carrying out their duties.

According to the NMA, the EFCC operation was allegedly linked to delays in the authentication of a medical report purportedly obtained from the hospital by an accused person in EFCC custody.

The association accused the anti-graft agency of abandoning due process and professionalism, alleging that operatives disrupted hospital activities, assaulted doctors and other health workers, and forcefully took Prof. Ekpe into detention.

The NMA described the incident as part of a growing pattern of attacks against healthcare workers across the country, warning that such actions could worsen the ongoing brain drain in the health sector.

The association declared support for the ongoing indefinite strike embarked upon by doctors in Akwa Ibom State over the incident.

The NMA further directed all its state branches and the FCT chapter to demand the identification and prosecution of individuals involved in any unlawful harassment of doctors in the course of duty.

The association also called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to direct the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, to institute a public enquiry into the invasion of the hospital and sanction officers involved in the alleged harassment and violent disruption of medical activities.

Prof. Omoti urged governments at all levels to enact laws designating hospitals as protected zones and making violence against healthcare workers a serious and non-bailable offence.

He also called for an executive order directing law enforcement agencies to channel complaints relating to medical negligence or misconduct through appropriate professional regulatory bodies, including the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, instead of resorting to immediate police action.

The NMA further urged federal and state ministries of health, as well as hospital managements, to establish mechanisms for reporting and responding to cases of workplace violence, including zero-tolerance policies against verbal and physical abuse of health workers.

The association expressed solidarity with doctors and health workers who have experienced workplace violence and pledged continued support in seeking justice and protection for affected personnel.