12/05/2026
COMMUNIQUÉ ISSUED BY THE NIGERIAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION (NMA), AKWA IBOM STATE BRANCH AT THE END OF AN EMERGENCY GENERAL MEETING HELD VIRTUALLY VIA GOOGLE MEET ON 12TH MAY, 2026
PREAMBLE
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Akwa Ibom State Branch, held an Emergency General Meeting (EGM) virtually via Google Meet on Tuesday, 12th May, 2026, following the disturbing incident involving the alleged assault, brutalization, arrest, and detention of Professor Eyo Ekpe, Deputy Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee (DCMAC), University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH), Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery, alongside other staff members of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH), by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
OBSERVATIONS
Congress made the following observations:
1. That Professor Eyo Ekpe was apprehended on Tuesday, 12th May, 2026, within the premises of UUTH by masked EFCC operatives who physically assaulted him, beat him severely to the point of bleeding, handcuffed him, and forcefully took him into custody alongside other doctors and hospital staff who attempted to intervene.
2. That gunshots were reportedly fired within the hospital environment, while phones belonging to individuals recording the incident were allegedly confiscated.
3. That the incident was barbaric, degrading, inhumane, and a gross violation of the sanctity of the hospital environment, thereby putting staff and patients at risk and undermining the dignity of the medical profession.
4. That the Chairman of NMA Akwa Ibom State Branch, Professor Aniekan Imo Peter, was shoved and exposed to tear gas when he approached the scene seeking clarification from the operatives.
5. That there was no formal invitation extended to Prof. Eyo Ekpe or the leadership of the NMA before the incident.
6. That there has been a recurring pattern of harassment and assault of medical professionals and members of the Association by security agencies within Akwa Ibom State.
RESOLUTIONS
After exhaustive deliberations, Congress unanimously resolved as follows:
1. To strongly condemn the invasion of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital by EFCC operatives and the assault on Professor Eyo Ekpe, doctors, and hospital staff.
2. To direct that a press conference be convened immediately involving both state and national media to inform the public and formally condemn the incident and ensure wide publication of this communiqué and the resolutions of Congress in national and state dailies.
3. To commence an immediate total and indefinite strike action and withdrawal of all medical services in Akwa Ibom State.
4. To demand the immediate and unconditional release of Prof. Eyo Ekpe and all detained members of NMA Akwa Ibom State Branch and staff of UUTH.
5. To demand an unreserved public apology from the EFCC to:
- Professor Eyo Ekpe,
- The Chairman of NMA Akwa Ibom State Branch, and the entire medical community in Akwa Ibom State.
6. To call for the identification and prosecution of all EFCC officers involved in the raid and assault at UUTH.
7. That no dialogue or negotiation shall be entertained by NMA Akwa Ibom State Branch with any government agency or authority until Professor Eyo Ekpe and all detained persons are released.
8. To institute legal action against the EFCC with a demand for damages in the sum of One Billion Naira (₦1,000,000,000) for the physical, emotional, professional, and institutional damage caused.
9. To reiterate that hospitals are sacred environments meant for the preservation of life and should never be subjected to violent invasions by security agencies.
CONCLUSION
Congress further emphasized that this action shall serve as a deterrent against future harassment, intimidation, or assault of medical practitioners by any security agency.
The Association reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the welfare, dignity, and safety of all its members.
Signed:
Prof. Aniekan I. Peter
Chairman, NMA AKS
Dr Ighorodje Edesiri E
Secretary
NMA Akwa Ibom State
12.05.26
(C) TheMail Newspaper
