The Nigerian Medical Association in Akwa Ibom State has threatened to file a N1 billion lawsuit against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission following a controversial raid at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH).
The association accused EFCC operatives of assaulting medical personnel during the operation carried out at the hospital in Uyo on Tuesday. According to the doctors, the incident left some health workers injured and disrupted activities within the facility.
Speaking during a press briefing on Wednesday, the state chairman of the NMA, Aniekan Peter, alleged that a senior surgeon at the hospital, Eyo Ekpe, was physically attacked, handcuffed and injured by masked operatives during the raid.
The association described the operation as degrading and unacceptable, insisting that hospitals should not be treated like crime scenes during investigations. It said the planned legal action was meant to seek compensation for what it called physical, emotional and institutional damage caused by the incident.
The NMA also demanded a public apology from the anti-graft agency and called for the identification and prosecution of officers allegedly involved in the operation. The association further warned that its members could suspend services to EFCC officials and their relatives until the matter is resolved.
In its response, the EFCC denied allegations of wrongdoing, explaining that its operatives visited the hospital while investigating a fraud-related case involving a suspect. The commission said the visit was aimed at verifying a medical report submitted in connection with the investigation and claimed its officers withdrew after meeting resistance at the hospital.