By Favour Bibaikefie

The Association of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgeons of Nigeria (ACTSON) has strongly condemned the alleged invasion of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH) by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), describing the reported humiliation of Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Prof. Eyo Ekpe, as disturbing, degrading, and unacceptable.

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The condemnation followed an incident said to have occurred on May 12, during which EFCC operatives reportedly stormed the hospital over an investigation involving the authentication of a medical report.
According to reports, four members of staff, including Prof. Ekpe, who also serves as Deputy Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee of the hospital, were allegedly arrested during the operation.

The development sparked outrage among medical workers in Akwa Ibom State, with doctors and healthcare personnel reportedly embarking on an indefinite strike in protest against the action.
In a statement jointly signed by ACTSON President, Abubakar Umar, and the association’s General Secretary, Salisu Ismail, the body said the incident created panic, fear, and disruption within the hospital environment, affecting critical patient care services.

The association noted that Prof. Ekpe pioneered and established the Cardiothoracic Surgery Unit at UUTH, where lifesaving cardiothoracic surgical services are provided to patients within Akwa Ibom State and neighbouring regions.

ACTSON described the alleged treatment meted out to the surgeon and other staff members as an affront to the dignity of medical professionals.

“Hospitals are highly sensitive environments where lives are constantly at stake. Any operation carried out within such facilities must be approached with the highest level of professionalism, restraint, and respect for institutional processes,” the statement partly read.

The association further stated that the reported forceful removal of a senior surgeon and administrator in public view represented a dangerous development capable of undermining confidence within the healthcare system and eroding the morale of medical personnel.

While acknowledging the constitutional responsibilities of anti-corruption agencies, ACTSON stressed that law enforcement duties must be carried out with civility, due process, and respect for professional institutions.

It also insisted that no healthcare institution or officer should be subjected to intimidation, harassment, or degrading treatment capable of jeopardising patient safety and public trust in healthcare delivery.

The association demanded that operatives allegedly involved in the forceful dragging, intimidation, and public humiliation of the affected staff members be identified and sanctioned accordingly.

ACTSON further called on the management of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, the University of Uyo authorities, and relevant professional bodies to take urgent steps toward safeguarding the integrity, safety, and operational stability of healthcare institutions.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, has reportedly directed that an official apology be issued over the incident.
Speaking through a statement shared on X, Olukoyede expressed regret over the development and acknowledged concerns raised by members of the medical community and the public.

“While acknowledging that the well-being of Nigerians is at the core of the commission’s mandate, he expressed regret at the discomfort the unfortunate episode caused staff of the hospital and members of the public,” the statement noted.

The EFCC chairman also disclosed that a full investigation into the operation had been ordered, warning that any officer found to have acted outside established professional standards would face disciplinary action.
“Once the exercise is completed, any officer found to have acted outside of the acceptable code of professional conduct would be subjected to the internal disciplinary process,” he stated.

Olukoyede further assured stakeholders that the anti-graft agency would continue to collaborate with professional bodies and relevant institutions to prevent a recurrence of similar incidents while sustaining its anti-corruption mandate across the country.

The incident has continued to generate nationwide reactions, with many stakeholders calling for improved coordination between security agencies and healthcare institutions in the conduct of sensitive investigations within medical facilities.