Former Super Eagles forward Emmanuel Emenike has raised an alarm over recurring violent invasions at his private medical facility, Emenike Hospital, located in Owerri, the Imo State capital. The retired football international accused state personnel and armed police officers of storming the healthcare facility, assaulting workers, and disrupting patient care.
Emenike voiced his frustrations through social media, directing his grievances toward the Imo State Police Command and officials linked to the Imo State Waste Management Agency. According to the former national team striker, the facility has experienced two separate hostile incursions within a few weeks.
Details of the Alleged Invasions
Emenike stated that the initial incident occurred on September 25, 2026. He alleged that the operation was ordered by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the Owerri Urban Division and executed by armed operatives attached to the Oji Police Station. The situation escalated during a subsequent raid in October involving waste management officials alongside security operatives.
During these encounters, several members of staff and patients were reportedly harassed and physically assaulted. Emenike claimed that key medical personnel, including the hospital administrator and cashier, were forcibly removed from the premises and placed in custody at the Oji Police Station.
Call for a Transparent Investigation
The 2013 Africa Cup of Nations winner appealed to the Imo State Government, senior leadership of the Nigeria Police Force, and human rights oversight bodies to step in immediately. He outlined several demands to address the situation:
- The immediate release of all detained hospital workers.
- Provision of adequate medical attention for individuals injured during the raids.
- A comprehensive review of security CCTV footage and hospital incident logs.
- The formal identification and prosecution of all officers and officials involved.
Giving Back to the Community
Reflecting on the situation, the former striker expressed deep sorrow, emphasizing that the hospital was built as an act of philanthropy to give back to his home state following a successful football career abroad. Having represented Nigeria at the highest levels and played across top European leagues, Emenike invested heavily in Owerri to provide accessible healthcare services to the local populace.
The confrontation comes shortly after Emenike made headlines for publicly voicing strong opinions regarding governance in Nigeria. In previous statements, the retired athlete had sharply criticized state leaders over public fund management and urged security services to prioritize defending citizens rather than serving political interests.