The Nigerian Bar Association, Uyo Branch, has condemned the alleged invasion of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Uyo Zonal Command, saying the incident endangered patients, disrupted medical services and violated the rights of healthcare workers.
In a press statement, the branch said the incident occurred on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at the teaching hospital.
According to the NBA, members of its executive committee visited the hospital after the incident and met with the Chairman of the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria, Akwa Ibom State chapter, Dr. Inoh Ifon; the association’s Secretary, Dr. Nnena Kalu; and the alleged victim, Prof. Eyo Ekpe.
The association said it was informed that EFCC operatives had gone to the hospital to verify a medical report allegedly issued in respect of a suspect in the commission’s custody.
It said Prof. Ekpe explained to the operatives that steps were being taken to confirm the authenticity of the report.
The NBA alleged that the operatives became dissatisfied with the explanation and physically assaulted the cardiothoracic surgeon, inflicting severe head injuries that led to heavy bleeding before taking him away in what it described as a degrading and inhumane manner.
It further alleged that when hospital management and staff attempted to intervene, the operatives used tear gas and fired shots within the hospital premises, causing panic among patients, medical workers and visitors.
According to the association, the incident led to the arrest of Prof. Ekpe and five other hospital staff, while medical activities at the hospital were severely disrupted.
The development has continued to generate reactions within the medical community, with the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Akwa Ibom State chapter, reportedly threatening a ₦1 billion lawsuit against the EFCC over the alleged assault and disruption of hospital activities. The association also demanded the release of detained staff and a public apology from the anti-graft agency.
The NBA also rejected the EFCC’s reported explanation that its operatives only visited the hospital to verify a medical report and did not carry out any violent attack.
Describing the explanation as an afterthought, the branch said no attempt to verify a medical report could justify the militarisation of a tertiary healthcare institution or the alleged brutalisation of medical personnel.
The association said the incident raised serious concerns about patient safety, abuse of power and respect for the sanctity of healthcare institutions.
It said patients receiving emergency and life-saving care were exposed to avoidable trauma and danger, adding that reports indicated that some patients suffered worsened medical conditions and fatalities linked directly or indirectly to the disruption.
The NBA described the incident as a gross abuse of power and a violation of constitutional rights, including the rights to dignity, personal liberty and security.
It said hospitals were sensitive institutions established for the preservation of life and should not be subjected to violent operations by law enforcement agencies.
The branch called for accountability and urged law enforcement agencies to operate within the bounds of professionalism, human rights and the rule of law.
