Activities at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH), Akwa Ibom State, were brought to a halt on Tuesday following a tense confrontation between operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and hospital staff during an attempted arrest of a senior medical consultant.
The incident reportedly involved Prof. Effiong Ekpe, a senior cardiothoracic surgeon and Deputy Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee at UUTH, along with three other staff members.
EFCC operatives had arrived at the hospital to effect an arrest based on a court order connected to an ongoing fraud investigation.
However, the operation quickly sparked resistance from some hospital staff, leading to heightened tension within the facility.
Movement was disrupted as security personnel locked the hospital gates, effectively shutting down access in and out of the premises while the situation escalated.
As the standoff continued, additional security operatives, including police officers, were deployed to the scene to restore calm and verify the legitimacy of the operation.
Authorities later confirmed that the arrest was being carried out under judicial instruction linked to a financial fraud case involving multiple microfinance banks.
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Following the incident, the Akwa Ibom State branch of the Nigerian Medical Association ordered doctors across the state to immediately withdraw services in protest.
The association described the EFCC’s action as unacceptable and accused the operatives of mishandling the situation involving a senior medical professional.
The Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) also declared a total shutdown of health services in solidarity, further worsening the disruption at the teaching hospital.
The NMA leadership insisted that due process was not properly followed and alleged that Prof. Ekpe was manhandled during the incident. They demanded accountability and emphasized that medical professionals should not be treated in a manner they described as degrading.
Meanwhile, police authorities clarified that their personnel were not directly involved in the arrest but were deployed to maintain order and ensure compliance with the court order. They stated that hospital management had been informed ahead of the operation.
In response, the EFCC maintained that its operatives acted within the law and were obstructed during their attempt to verify a medical report submitted in connection with an ongoing investigation.
The commission also denied allegations of assault, insisting that its officers were attacked by some hospital staff while carrying out lawful duties.
The EFCC further explained that repeated attempts to obtain clarification from the hospital management had gone unanswered, necessitating the visit.
It added that despite the tensions, its operatives exercised restraint and completed their assignment without disrupting overall hospital operations.
The incident has since sparked widespread debate over enforcement procedures in sensitive public institutions, especially where healthcare services and legal investigations intersect.
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