Professor Eyo Effiong Ekpe, a respected Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery and Deputy Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH), has shared his side of the shocking incident that happened on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.………
In a press briefing on Wednesday, Prof. Ekpe explained that the EFCC had written letters asking the hospital to verify a medical report given by a fraud suspect in court. He said he and another doctor checked the report and discovered the signing doctor was not from that department. He prepared a draft response on Monday and showed it to an EFCC officer who came on Tuesday morning.
According to him, while waiting for the Chief Medical Director’s approval, the officers suddenly arrested him. “I asked why, because my name was not even on the report. They started pushing and dragged me out of my office,” he said. Hospital workers rushed to the scene, but more masked EFCC operatives arrived, beat some staff, fired shots into the air, and used tear gas. Prof. Ekpe and others were taken away but later released.
The incident caused chaos at the hospital, leading doctors and health workers in Akwa Ibom State to declare an indefinite strike. Many patients were sent home.
Social media has been on fire with reactions. @AkwaVoice wrote: “This is too much! Dragging a professor who saves lives like a thief? EFCC should respect hospitals!” Another user, @NaijaDocto, posted: “Prof. Ekpe is one of the few cardiothoracic surgeons in Nigeria. This assault is dangerous for all of us.”
Some supported the EFCC. @EFCCWatch said: “If there is fraud, they should investigate properly, but not by beating doctors in the hospital.” @RealTalkNG added: “Both sides have their story. Due process matters on all sides.”
The Nigerian Medical Association has threatened to sue EFCC for N1 billion over the alleged assault. Many Nigerians are now calling for calm and proper investigation so that hospitals can return to normal work.
