Cardiovascular surgeons condemn EFCC’s intrusion into the hospital.

By Shina Abubakar

Cardiovascular and thoracic surgeons in Nigeria have expressed serious concerns about the way Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) operatives entered and harassed staff at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital.

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

A statement issued by ACTSON President and General Secretary Prof. Abubakar Umar and Associate Prof. Salisu Ismail was released to reporters in Osogbo by Public Relations Officer Dr. Olugbenga Ojo on Saturday. The statement alleges that EFCC officers entered the hospital, forcibly removed Prof. Ekpe from his office along with other medical staff, and subjected them to public mistreatment.

“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 jeopardising patient safety and public confidence in healthcare delivery,” the group said.

“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 statement added.

The surgeons condemned the manner of the EFCC’s entry, noting that the actions caused fear, chaos, and widespread pandemonium within the hospital. They called for a probe into the conduct of the EFCC personnel involved.

“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,” the statement read.

“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,” the surgeons added.

While stressing that medical professionals remain committed to accountability, transparency, and the rule of law, the group warned that “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,” the statement concluded.

In response, the EFCC’s X account denied humiliating the deputy CMAC of the hospital, saying its visit was purely administrative rather than a tactical operation to effect an arrest.

The post Cardiovascular surgeons condemn hospital invasion by EFCC appeared first on Vanguard News.