Cardiovascular surgeons condemn hospital invasion by EFCC

Cardiovascular and thoracic surgeons in Nigeria have raised alarm over the manner in which operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, invaded and harassed medical personnel at the University of Uyo teaching hospital.

The surgeons under the aegis of the Association of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgeons of Nigeria (ACTSON) specifically condemned the maltreatment of the hospital’s Deputy Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC) and a consultant cardiothoracic surgeon, Prof. Eyo Ekpe.

The group, in a statement issued by its President and General Secretary, Prof. Abubakar Umar and Associate Prof. Salisu Ismail, which was made available to newsmen in Osogbo by the Public Relations Officer, Dr Olugbenga Ojo, on Saturday, disclosed that EFCC operatives invaded the hospital, dragged Professor Ekpe out of his office along with other medical personnel and maltreated them in public.

“While we recognise and respect the statutory responsibilities of law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies in the discharge of their duties, such responsibilities must always be exercised within the bounds of civility, due process, and respect for professional institutions. No individual is above the law; however, no institution or officer should be subjected to degrading treatment, intimidation, harassment, or actions capable of jeopardizing patient safety and public confidence in healthcare delivery.

We express our profound anger and disgust over the conduct of the operatives involved in this incident and call for an immediate investigation into the circumstances surrounding this invasion”, the group requested.

They condemned the manner in which the EFCC operatives invaded the hospital, saying the operations created fear, chaos, and widespread pandemonium within the hospital environment, calling for the probe of EFCC personnel involved in the act.

“We further demand that all officials responsible for the forceful dragging, intimidation, and public humiliation of Prof. Ekpe and other staff members be identified and brought to book.

“We also urge the management of University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, relevant professional bodies, organised medical associations, and authorities of the University of Uyo to take all necessary steps to protect the integrity, safety, and operational stability of healthcare institutions,” they said.

While stressing that medical professionals remain committed to accountability, transparency, and the rule of law, the group said, “intimidation and public humiliation of healthcare professionals within hospital premises must never become normalised in a civilised society.

We stand in solidarity with Prof. Eyo Ekpe, affected staff members, and the entire University of Uyo Teaching Hospital community at this difficult moment.”

However, the EFCC in its X handle had denied humiliating the deputy CMAC of the hospital, saying its visit to the institution was purely administrative rather than tactical to effect arrest.