‘A place of care, not violence’: Emenike demands action over Imo hospital incident

Emmanuel Emenike has urged authorities to investigate alleged violent incursions at his hospital in Owerri, claiming that staff and patients were assaulted and two employees were detained.

Former Super Eagles striker Emmanuel Emenike has called on the Imo State Government and the Nigeria Police Force to investigate alleged attacks on his private hospital in Owerri, claiming that employees and patients were subjected to violence during two separate incidents.

The former Nigerian international raised the allegations in a social media post on Wednesday, October 21, following what he described as another invasion of Emenike Hospital by police officers and officials linked to the state’s waste management agency.

According to Emenike, the first incident occurred on September 25, while a second confrontation took place on October 21. He alleged that staff members and patients were assaulted during the incidents, while the hospital administrator and cashier were arrested and taken to Oji Police Station.

Emenike also called for the release of the detained workers, medical attention for anyone injured and a transparent investigation, including a review of the hospital’s CCTV footage and other relevant records.

“A hospital must be a place of care and safety — not a scene of violence,” the former striker wrote.

He expressed disappointment over the alleged incidents, explaining that his decision to establish the facility was driven by a desire to contribute to healthcare delivery in his home state after his football career abroad.

The 40-bed Emenike Hospital was inaugurated in Owerri in May 2024, representing a significant investment by the former footballer in his community.

Emenike was a member of Nigeria’s victorious squad at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, where his goals helped the Super Eagles secure their third continental title. He also represented the country at the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

The allegations come amid wider public concerns about misconduct by security personnel in Nigeria. However, no official response from the Imo State Police Command or the waste management agency regarding Emenike’s claims was available in the reports reviewed.

The circumstances surrounding the alleged incidents, including the reasons for the officials’ presence at the hospital, remain unclear. The allegations have not been independently verified.