UUTH Shut Down Following EFCC Arrest Attempt

On May 12, 2023, the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH) in Akwa Ibom State was shut down after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) attempted to arrest Prof. Effiong Ekp, the Deputy Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC), along with three staff members.

The EFCC officials arrived with a court warrant but faced resistance from hospital staff, leading to a lockdown of the facility. Dr.

Aniekan Peter, the state chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), directed doctors to cease services in protest against what was described as an inhumane act. Dr.

Gabriel Eyo, a spokesperson for the NMA, condemned the EFCC's actions, asserting that the professor was wrongfully targeted. The EFCC's visit was reportedly to obtain an authentic medical report for a suspect involved in defrauding multiple microfinance banks.

Despite the tensions, police distanced themselves from the arrest attempt, while the EFCC dismissed allegations of assault during their operation.