The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and the Association of Nigeria Private Medical Practitioners (ANPMP) have issued a stern warning over the rising trend of police harassment targeting medical personnel in Lagos.
During a joint press briefing, medical leaders revealed a "disturbing pattern" of arbitrary arrests, detentions, and alleged extortion following patient deaths, even in cases involving high-risk trauma or delayed presentation.
Dr. Esegine Jonathan, Chairman of ANPMP Lagos, cited harrowing cases where doctors were reportedly stripped, detained, or forced to pay millions in "settlements" via POS machines at police stations.
In one instance, a doctor and nurse were detained after a hit-and-run victim could not be revived, while another locum doctor reportedly paid ₦1.5 million to regain his freedom after a referral ended in a fatality.
“A doctor who is constantly harassed, intimidated, and extorted would be robbed of the bravery which most medical emergencies require,” Jonathan warned.
The medical bodies stressed that such intimidation is forcing practitioners to adopt "defensive medicine," where high-risk patients may be turned away to avoid legal or police exposure.
The NMA Chairman, Dr. Babajide Kehinde Saheed, called for the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) to remain the primary body for investigating professional misconduct, rather than arbitrary police intervention.
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