The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has strongly condemned the alleged assault, brutalisation, arrest, and detention of Professor Eyo Ekpe, Director of Clinical Medical and Allied Services (DCMAC) at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH), alongside other medical personnel, by suspected operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
In a directive issued to the Chairman of the NMA Akwa Ibom State branch and all chairmen of state and FCT branches of the association, the National Officers Committee (NOC) of the NMA said it had been fully briefed on the incident and was already taking steps to address the matter at the highest level.
The statement, signed by the National Publicity Secretary of the association, Prof. Olayinka Atilola, said the NOC, led by the President of the NMA, Dr. (Prof.) Afekhide Ernest Omoti, viewed the development as deeply disturbing and unacceptable.
According to the association, the alleged conduct of the EFCC operatives within the premises of a public hospital and against doctors carrying out life-saving duties was condemnable.
“The National Officers Committee condemns in the strongest possible terms such alleged reckless and barbaric behaviour reportedly displayed by operatives of the EFCC within the premises of a public hospital and against medical personnel in the course of their lawful duties of rendering life-saving services,” the statement read.
The NMA disclosed that it had already commenced high-level engagements aimed at uncovering the circumstances surrounding the incident and ensuring that justice is served.
The association stressed that it would not tolerate what it described as the continued harassment and intimidation of medical doctors in the discharge of their professional responsibilities.
“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 statement added.
As part of its response, the NMA leadership directed the Akwa Ibom State branch to continue all lawful actions already initiated in pursuit of justice and assured the branch of the full support of the national body.
The association further stated that the NMA National Officers Committee approved every lawful step already taken by the Akwa Ibom branch and encouraged the state leadership to sustain legitimate efforts aimed at securing complete redress over the incident.
The directive also extended beyond Akwa Ibom State, as the NMA instructed all state and FCT branches across the country to take firm action whenever doctors are unlawfully harassed or intimidated by security agents while performing their duties.
According to the directive, branch leaders must henceforth demand the identification and prosecution of any law enforcement officers involved in such acts.
The association maintained that accountability and respect for the rights of medical professionals must form part of the minimum conditions for resolving any future disputes involving doctors and security agencies.
“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,” the statement noted.
The NMA, however, clarified that its position should not be interpreted as opposition to legitimate law enforcement activities.
The association acknowledged the constitutional responsibilities of security agencies but insisted that such duties must be carried out professionally and in line with the rule of law.
“It must, however, be noted by all law enforcement agencies and members of the public that nothing in this directive suggests that law enforcement agents should not carry out their lawful duties,” the statement explained.
The association emphasised that security operations involving medical personnel and health institutions must comply with acceptable standards of professionalism, ethics, decorum, and respect for human dignity.
According to the NMA, modern law enforcement institutions are expected to uphold the highest ethical standards while carrying out their responsibilities, especially within sensitive environments such as hospitals where lives are at stake.
The incident involving Professor Eyo Ekpe and other medical personnel has generated concern among healthcare workers and stakeholders within the medical community, with many calling for a thorough investigation into the allegations.
Medical professionals have also expressed fears that repeated harassment and intimidation of doctors by security agencies could negatively affect healthcare delivery and create tension within public health institutions.
The NMA reiterated its commitment to protecting the welfare, dignity, and professional integrity of doctors across Nigeria while ensuring that members are able to carry out their duties without fear, intimidation, or unlawful interference.
