A prominent Nigerian advocate, Alamin Usman, on May 11, 2026, shared a video on his Instagram page alleging that operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) dragged a senior medical professor out of a planned surgery, beating and brutalizing him in the process.
According to Usman’s post, the individual in question is Professor Eyo Effiong Ekpe (also referred to as Professor Eyo Ekpe), a Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery and Deputy Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee (DCMAC) at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH). He is widely described as the only cardiothoracic surgeon in Akwa Ibom State and one of the very few specialists in that field across Nigeria.
Hospital sources cited in the video, and subsequent reports, alleged that the aggression stemmed from a delay in issuing a death certificate related to an EFCC member. 
What the EFCC is Saying
The EFCC acknowledged in a statement posted on X on Tuesday that its agents went to the hospital to verify a medical report provided by a suspect who was on trial before Justice M.A. Onyetunu of the Federal High Court in Uyo regarding alleged fraud involving multiple microfinance banks, including the University of Uyo Microfinance Bank.
“The suspect had presented a medical report which required authentication by the UUTH management. The Commission wrote two different letters, dated March 11, 2026, and April 20, 2026, to the hospital management to this effect without receiving any response.”
The agency reported that when its investigative officer went to the hospital to follow up on the request, there was still no response.
“As a last resort, operatives of the commission visited the chief medical director of the hospital on Tuesday to make further enquiries, only to be locked in with a false alarm and subjected to an unprovoked attack by misguided staff of the facility who pelted them with stones and other dangerous objects,” the statement added.
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Eyewitness Accounts
Multiple eyewitness accounts and statements from the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Akwa Ibom State allege that masked EFCC operatives stormed the hospital premises in a “commando-style” operation.
Before the EFCC operatives arrested Professor Eyo Ekpe, they physically assaulted him, handcuffed him, and forcibly removed him despite explanations from hospital staff. According to Channelstv, the NMA mentioned the use of tear gas and sporadic gunshots to disperse crowds, causing panic among patients and staff.
Professor Ekpe is known as a dedicated clinician who is often the first to assume his post of duty. He has been praised for his contributions to thoracic surgery and patient care. In one notable case in 2018, he reportedly saved the life of a young boy who had very minimal chances of survival. Colleagues and locals describe him as disciplined, intelligent, humble, and a respected figure in the medical community and his hometown.
NMA Akwa Ibom on Strike
The incident has sparked widespread outrage. The NMA in Akwa Ibom declared an indefinite strike, demanding the immediate release of Professor Ekpe and other detained staff, an apology, and compensation.
Since the EFCC operatives arrested Professor Eyo Ekpe, patients have been left stranded as services at UUTH were disrupted. Reports indicate that Professor Ekpe has since been released, though the full details of his detention and any ongoing probe are not yet public.
As investigations continue, questions are being raised about the justification for the level of force allegedly used in a medical facility and the broader implications for healthcare delivery. Neither the EFCC nor the hospital authorities have fully confirmed all details of the claims at the time of this report. This story is developing.
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