MDCAN slams EFCC assault on UUTH doctor
The crisis rocking Nigeria’s healthcare sector deepened over the weekend as the Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) strongly condemned the alleged assault and unlawful detention of doctors at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH) by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The incident, which has sparked outrage across the country’s medical community, involved Professor Eyo Ekpe and several healthcare workers at UUTH, Akwa Ibom State. MDCAN described the operation as “barbaric,” “dehumanising,” and a dangerous abuse of power within a hospital environment meant for saving lives.
The controversy has now escalated into a major national issue after the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), MDCAN, and other health stakeholders demanded accountability from the anti-graft agency, MDCAN slams EFCC assault on UUTH doctor.
MDCAN Slams EFCC Assault on UUTH Doctor
In a strongly worded statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Dr Taiwo Alatishe, MDCAN said the association would no longer tolerate intimidation, harassment, or brutality against medical professionals in Nigeria.
According to MDCAN, the alleged assault occurred while doctors were carrying out their official duties inside the hospital. The association insisted that hospitals must remain safe spaces free from fear, violence, and security intimidation.
The association said the reported treatment of Professor Eyo Ekpe and other medical personnel represented a “flagrant disregard for human dignity and professional sanctity.”
MDCAN further revealed that it had commenced collaboration with its UUTH chapter and relevant authorities to investigate the matter and ensure those responsible are held accountable.
The statement comes amid growing anger within Nigeria’s medical community following claims that EFCC operatives stormed the hospital premises during an investigation involving the verification of a medical report connected to a suspect under EFCC custody.
What Happened at UUTH?
Reports surrounding the incident indicate that tension erupted after EFCC operatives allegedly entered the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital to authenticate medical documentation linked to an ongoing investigation.
Witnesses claimed the situation quickly degenerated into chaos after healthcare workers resisted attempts to apprehend a member of staff within the hospital environment, MDCAN slams EFCC assault on UUTH doctor.
The Nigerian Medical Association alleged that armed operatives assaulted medical workers, fired tear gas, and physically attacked Professor Eyo Ekpe before taking him and others into custody. The association further alleged that phones belonging to witnesses were confiscated during the confrontation.
Videos circulating online reportedly showed panic inside the hospital as patients, workers, and visitors scrambled for safety.
The Akwa Ibom branch of the NMA subsequently declared an indefinite strike in protest against the incident.
EFCC Denies Assault Allegations
While the outrage continues, the EFCC has denied claims that its operatives assaulted or unlawfully arrested medical personnel during the UUTH operation.
In an official statement, the anti-corruption agency maintained that its officers visited the hospital strictly for administrative purposes and not for a tactical arrest operation.
The EFCC stated that no arrests were made and insisted that healthcare workers who accompanied operatives to its zonal office were neither detained nor brutalised.
However, the commission admitted that it had opened an internal investigation into the allegations after widespread public backlash.
According to the EFCC, any operative found guilty of violating operational procedures would face disciplinary action.
Despite the denial, many healthcare professionals across Nigeria remain unconvinced, insisting that the sanctity of hospitals must never be violated under any circumstance, MDCAN slams EFCC assault on UUTH doctor.
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Why the UUTH Incident Matters
The MDCAN condemnation of the EFCC assault on UUTH doctor has exposed deeper tensions between Nigerian institutions and healthcare professionals already battling poor infrastructure, brain drain, insecurity, and workplace pressure.
Medical stakeholders argue that aggressive law enforcement actions inside hospitals can endanger patients and create fear among healthcare workers.
Several doctors have also warned that attacks on medical professionals could worsen the already alarming migration of Nigerian doctors abroad.
The situation has raised serious questions about operational conduct by security agencies and the protection of healthcare institutions during investigations.
For many observers, the issue goes beyond UUTH. It touches on professional respect, institutional boundaries, and the growing frustration within Nigeria’s healthcare system, MDCAN slams EFCC assault on UUTH doctor.
NMA Threatens N1bn Lawsuit
The Nigerian Medical Association has now threatened legal action against the EFCC, demanding N1 billion in damages over the alleged assault on doctors and staff at UUTH.
The association described the operation as a gross violation of the hospital environment and warned that failure to punish those involved could encourage future attacks on healthcare workers.
Medical leaders are also demanding:
- Immediate prosecution of officers allegedly involved
- Public apology to affected doctors
- Protection of hospitals from security invasions
- Respect for medical personnel nationwide
The pressure on the EFCC continues to mount as professional associations, civil society groups, and concerned Nigerians closely monitor developments.
Growing Public Reactions
Public reaction to the MDCAN condemnation of the EFCC assault on UUTH doctor has remained intense across social media platforms and public discourse.
Many Nigerians expressed concern over the use of force within a hospital setting, especially against medical professionals attending to patients.
Others, however, urged caution, insisting that investigations should establish the full facts before conclusions are reached.
Regardless of differing opinions, the incident has become one of the most talked-about institutional controversies in Nigeria’s health sector this month.
As investigations continue, Nigerians will be watching closely to see whether accountability follows the outrage.
The coming days may determine whether the confrontation becomes another forgotten controversy or a turning point in how security agencies engage with critical public institutions, MDCAN slams EFCC assault on UUTH doctor.
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