The Nigerian Medical Association in Akwa Ibom State has announced plans to file a N1 billion lawsuit against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over the alleged assault of Professor Eyo Ekpe, a cardiothoracic surgeon at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital.
The decision was part of several resolutions reached during an emergency virtual meeting held by the association on Tuesday following the controversial incident involving the professor.
According to reports, EFCC operatives visited the hospital to verify a medical report connected to a suspect under investigation. During the visit, the officials allegedly confronted Prof. Ekpe and later returned with more officers who reportedly forcefully arrested and assaulted him in public.
Sources claimed the professor had informed the officials that the requested document was already being processed before the situation escalated.
Speaking during a press briefing in Uyo on Wednesday, the state chairman of the NMA, Professor Aniekan Peter, condemned the incident and described it as an attack on the medical profession.
He said doctors could not remain silent while one of their members, especially a senior medical expert, was allegedly humiliated while carrying out his professional duties.
The association also accused security agencies of repeatedly harassing medical workers in the state, warning that such actions would no longer be tolerated.
According to the union, no formal invitation was sent to either Prof. Ekpe or the NMA leadership before the operation at the hospital.
The doctors described the incident as degrading, inhuman, and dangerous, stressing that hospitals should remain safe environments dedicated to saving lives and caring for patients.
The NMA further stated that its ongoing indefinite strike would continue until the EFCC publicly apologises to the assaulted professor, the association’s leadership, and its members.
The group also demanded that the officers allegedly involved in the operation be identified and prosecuted.
In another strong resolution, the association announced that its members would no longer provide medical treatment to EFCC officials or their family members until the matter is properly addressed.
The union alleged that Prof. Ekpe was beaten, handcuffed, and injured during the incident, while other doctors and hospital workers who tried to intervene were also allegedly assaulted.
The NMA added that the legal action seeking N1 billion in damages is intended to protect medical professionals from future intimidation, harassment, or attacks by security agencies.