UUTH shut as EFCC attempt to arrest staff
University of Uyo Teaching Hospital Services Halted Amid EFCC Operation
Activities at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH) in Akwa Ibom State were suspended on May 12 following the attempted arrest of Prof. Effiong Ekpe and three other staff members by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from its Uyo Zonal Office.
According to reports, EFCC officials attempted to apprehend Prof. Ekpe, the Deputy Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee, based on a court warrant. The operation faced resistance from hospital staff, and security personnel locked the facility’s gates to prevent the EFCC operatives from leaving.
The situation escalated, prompting the EFCC to call for backup. Tensions increased until police arrived at the scene.
In response to the incident, Dr. Aniekan Peters, the State Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), ordered medical practitioners across the state to cease operations. Additionally, leaders from the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) called for a complete shutdown of services in protest, labeling the actions of the EFCC as inhumane.
Confirming the events, Dr. Gabriel Eyo, Public Relations Officer of the NMA, condemned the EFCC’s actions, describing them as an assault on the hospital and its personnel. He highlighted the significance of Prof. Ekpe, the state’s only cardiothoracic surgery professor, stating that he sustained injuries during the confrontation. Eyo criticized the manner of the attempt to arrest him, asserting that due process should have been followed.
“The NMA has convened a meeting and decided to begin an indefinite strike. Further resolutions will be shared soon,” he stated.
The police clarified their role, asserting they were not involved in the arrest but had been called to stabilize the situation and verify the identities of the EFCC operatives. Commissioner of Police Baba Mohammed Azare indicated that officers were present to support the EFCC based on a judge’s order regarding an ongoing court case.
“Before the police entered the hospital, I had informed the Chief Medical Director, Prof. Emem Bassey, to allow them access,” Azare said.
In a separate statement, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale refuted claims of assault, instead asserting that their operatives encountered unprovoked resistance when they went to the hospital to authenticate a medical report related to a suspect in a fraud case involving multiple microfinance banks.
The EFCC had previously sent two letters to UUTH management requesting the authentication of the medical report, but received no response. The agency’s operatives were compelled to visit the hospital for further inquiries. Oyewale claimed that, once there, they were attacked by staff and were prevented from conducting their duties.
“During their visit, the Chief Medical Director allegedly ordered that the hospital gates be shut, obstructing lawful inquiries. Police authorities urged the CMD to allow a peaceful exit for the operatives, but their requests were declined,” he explained.
Despite the aggressive response, Oyewale noted that the EFCC personnel maintained professionalism, exiting the premises without disrupting hospital activities. He reminded the public and relevant organizations of their obligation to cooperate with the commission during such operations, warning that non-compliance could lead to legal consequences.
