The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Akwa Ibom State chapter, has threatened to institute a N1bn lawsuit against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the alleged assault of one of its members during a raid at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH).

The association said the planned legal action followed what it described as the physical, emotional, professional and institutional damage caused by the operation carried out by EFCC operatives on Tuesday.

The anti-graft agency had reportedly stormed the hospital while investigating a fraud-related case involving a suspect. The EFCC later explained that its operatives visited the hospital to verify a medical report submitted by the suspect.

According to the commission, the team later approached the Chief Medical Director of the hospital “as a last resort to make further enquiries” but withdrew after allegedly encountering resistance.

However, the NMA accused the operatives of assaulting Professor Eyo Ekpe, a cardiothoracic surgeon at the hospital.

Speaking during a press conference in Uyo on Wednesday, the state NMA Chairman, Professor Aniekan Peter, said the decision to sue the EFCC was reached during an emergency meeting of the association.

“We observed that Prof Eyo Ekpe was apprehended within the premises of UUTH by masked EFCC operatives who physically assaulted him, beat him to the point of bleeding, handcuffed him alongside other doctors and hospital staff who attempted to intervene,” he said.

Peter also alleged that he was affected during the incident.

“Professor Peter, Akwa Ibom NMA chairman, was shoved and exposed to teargas when he approached the scene seeking clarification from the operatives,” he added.

The association described hospitals as sacred environments that should not be subjected to violent operations by security agencies.

“We shall institute a legal action against the EFCC with a demand for damages in the sum of N1bn for the physical, emotional, professional and institutional damages caused,” the NMA stated.

In a communiqué read by the Assistant Secretary of the association, Dr Unyime Ndoh, and endorsed by Professor Peter and the Secretary, Dr Ighorodje Edesiri, the doctors insisted they would not return to work until their demands are met.

The demands include a public apology to affected doctors, identification and prosecution of officers involved in the operation, and assurances against a repeat of such incidents.

The NMA further claimed there was no formal invitation issued to Professor Ekpe or the association before the raid, describing the operation as “barbaric, degrading, inhuman and a gross violation of the sanctity of the hospital environment.”

The association also announced that its members would suspend medical services to EFCC officials and their relatives pending the resolution of the dispute.