Medical and Dental Consultants Association Condemns EFCC Actions
The Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) has denounced the assault and illegal detention of Professor Eyo Ekpe, alongside other medical personnel, by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at Uyo University Teaching Hospital in Akwa Ibom State.
Zero Tolerance for Harassment of Medical Staff
MDCAN asserted its commitment to protecting its members, stating it will no longer tolerate harassment, intimidation, or victimization by law enforcement agencies.
Outrage Over Incident in a Healthcare Setting
In a statement released on Saturday and signed by spokesperson Dr. Taiwo Alatishe, the association referred to the incident as an “inhuman and barbaric display of power” occurring within a hospital, a place dedicated to patient care.
Concerns Over Professional and Human Dignity
The association emphasized that the actions taken against Professor Ekpe, a member of the Department of Chemical Pathology at UUTH, reflect a troubling disregard for both professional and human dignity.
Hospitals as Sanctuaries for Healthcare
MDCAN contended that hospitals should remain safe environments dedicated to healing, free from intimidation by security forces. In its statement, the organization expressed deep outrage over the behavior of EFCC officials, particularly in a medical setting where healthcare professionals were attending to patients.
Call for Justice and Investigation
MDCAN, in collaboration with the UUTH branch, has launched a detailed investigation into the matter and is engaging with relevant authorities to ensure justice is served. The association has called for immediate investigation and prosecution of the involved EFCC officials.
Commitment to Member Welfare and Professional Conduct
The association reassured members of its dedication to their welfare and safety, urging them to adhere to legal protocols while remaining vigilant against potential aggression. MDCAN has also indicated it will not tolerate any further instances of misconduct by law enforcement against its members.
Strike Action and Broader Condemnation
Punch Healthwise previously reported that EFCC operatives clashed with UUTH staff during an investigation concerning medical report certifications. This confrontation led to the arrest of four staff members, including Professor Effiong Ekpe, the vice-chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee. Witnesses indicated that tensions escalated as hospital personnel resisted the EFCC operatives’ actions. In response to the incident, the Akwa Ibom branch of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) announced an indefinite strike, echoing broader condemnation from the national organization, which has called for the prosecution of the officials involved. Following public pressure, the EFCC has initiated an investigation into the events surrounding the assault.
