The suspected killer of an Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) officer in Awka, Anambra State, is not a medical doctor.
The State Secretary of the Nigerian Medical Association, Dr Obiaeli Ifeanyi, on Monday stated this via X (formerly Twitter).
The NMA said the suspect, Joshua Chukwubueze Ikechukwu, is neither a licensed medical doctor nor a member of the association.
The statement which was sequel to reports saying the suspect was a medical professional, said the misuse of “medical doctor” by impostors, tarnishes the reputation of the medical profession.
The incident reportedly occurred in the early hours of Friday, 17 January 2025, at Dr J.O. Ukwutinife Close, Ifite, Awka. Initial reports suggested that Ikechukwu, allegedly involved in medical supplies, was a staff member of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital.
The NMA further revealed that NAUTH has already been Ikechukwu was not its staff, adding that he is not a member of the NMA Awka Zone.
The association also said no member of the association has identified the suspect as either a colleague or a member of the NMA.
Ifeanyi said Ikechukwu is reported to deal in medical supplies and was only erroneously addressed as one.
“In one of the publications, the suspect was described as a staff member of NAUTH. However, following our investigation, we wish to clarify that:
Joshua Chukwubueze Ikechukwu is not a staff member of NAUTH, as confirmed by the hospital’s management.
“He is not a member of the NMA Awka Zone, nor has any member identified him as a colleague. He is not a medical doctor (not even an academic doctor), though he deals in medical supplies and has been erroneously addressed as one.
“The NMA Anambra State hereby notifies the media and EFCC that the said suspect is not a medical doctor. We demand an immediate retraction of all defamatory publications where he was referred to as such. We urge the media to conduct due diligence before publishing claims.”
The association extended its condolences to the EFCC and the bereaved family, affirming that the medical profession remains a noble and law-abiding field in Nigeria.
