RismadarVoice Reporters
May 14, 2026
A civil rights organisation, Citizens’ Gavel, has condemned the alleged invasion of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, calling for an independent investigation into the incident and sanctions against officers found culpable.
The group described the operation as a disturbing example of law enforcement excess, warning that anti-corruption efforts must not override constitutional rights, due process and the safety of healthcare workers.
In a statement signed by its Operations Lead, Oluwafemi Ajibade, Citizens’ Gavel criticised the alleged assault on cardiothoracic surgeon, Prof. Effiong Ekpe, and other medical personnel during the operation at the hospital.
The organisation said hospitals should remain protected spaces dedicated to care and healing, not scenes of intimidation and coercion.
“It should go without saying that the use of coercion and intimidation against medical personnel not only endangers their lives, but as a ripple effect also jeopardises the safety and well-being of patients under their care,” the group stated.
Citizens’ Gavel further accused security agencies of institutional overreach and called for mandatory human rights and due process training for law enforcement personnel across the country. It also urged authorities to establish stronger accountability mechanisms to ensure agencies operate within constitutional boundaries.
The incident has continued to spark outrage within Nigeria’s medical community following reports that EFCC operatives stormed the hospital during an attempt to verify a medical report linked to an ongoing fraud investigation. The operation reportedly resulted in the arrest of some hospital staff and triggered an indefinite strike by doctors and healthcare workers at the institution.
Medical associations, including the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria and the Association of Resident Doctors, University of Uyo Teaching Hospital chapters, also condemned the raid, describing it as violent and unacceptable. The groups alleged that operatives used force, intimidated staff and disrupted hospital activities.
However, the EFCC defended its actions, saying its operatives visited the hospital to authenticate a medical report presented by a suspect in an ongoing fraud case and alleged that its officers were obstructed while carrying out official duties.
Meanwhile, the Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Prof. Ememabasi Bassey, disclosed that the medical report under investigation was discovered to be fake and suggested that some insiders might have collaborated in producing it.
He, however, maintained that the crisis could have been avoided through proper communication and adherence to due process.
