RismadarVoice Reporters, May 15, 2026
Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Uyo Branch, has condemned the alleged invasion of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH) by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), describing the incident as “reckless, illegal and oppressive.”
In a press release signed by the Chairman of the branch, Ime Umofiah Esq., and the Publicity Secretary, Menyene Ekanem Esq., the NBA said the incident occurred on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, when EFCC operatives from the Uyo Zonal Command reportedly stormed the hospital to verify a medical report linked to a suspect in their custody.
According to the NBA, officials of the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), Akwa Ibom State chapter, told the branch’s Executive Committee during a visit to the hospital that the operatives met with a cardiothoracic surgeon, Prof. Eyo Ekpe, who informed them that efforts were underway to verify the document.
The association alleged that the EFCC operatives became dissatisfied with the explanation and physically assaulted Prof. Ekpe, inflicting head injuries before taking him away.
The NBA further claimed that when hospital staff and management attempted to intervene, the operatives allegedly fired gunshots and deployed tear gas within the hospital premises, causing panic among patients, staff and visitors.
It added that five other hospital staff members were also arrested and that medical services at the facility were severely disrupted following the incident.
The EFCC, however, reportedly denied carrying out any violent attack, maintaining that its operatives only visited the hospital to verify the authenticity of the medical report.
Reacting to the development, the NBA said the explanation by the anti-graft agency was “an afterthought” and could not justify what it described as the “militarisation” of a healthcare institution.
“The verification of a medical report cannot justify the brutalisation of medical professionals and the endangerment of vulnerable patients receiving treatment,” the statement read.
The association expressed concern over reports that some patients allegedly suffered worsened medical conditions as a result of the disruption.
The NBA demanded the immediate identification, investigation and prosecution of all officers involved in the operation, as well as a public apology from the EFCC to Prof. Ekpe, UUTH management and the public.
It also called for compensation for victims said to have suffered physical, emotional, psychological or economic losses arising from the incident.
The branch warned that it would pursue legal action if its demands were not met within a reasonable time.
“The NBA reiterates that no agency of government, regardless of its statutory mandate, is above the law,” the statement added.
