Claims that the person suspected of killing an Economic and Financial Crimes Commission official in Awka is a doctor have been denied by the Nigerian Medical Association, Anambra State Chapter.
The NMA explained in a statement released on Monday via X (formerly Twitter) by the association’s State Secretary, Dr. Obiaeli Ifeanyi, that the suspect, Joshua Chukwubueze Ikechukwu, is neither a registered medical professional nor an association member.
The explanation came after the suspect was mistakenly identified as a medical expert in numerous media reports. The NMA voiced worry over imposters abusing the title “medical doctor,” claiming that this damages the standing of the medical field.
According to reports, the event happened at Dr. J.O. Ukwutinife Close in Ifite, Awka, early on Friday, January 17, 2025. According to early reports, Ikechukwu worked at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital and was allegedly involved in medical supplies.
But the results of the NMA’s initial inquiry showed that Joshua Chukwubueze Ikechukwu is not a NAUTH employee. NAUTH management has already refuted this.
The NMA Awka Zone does not include him. He has not been recognised by any association member as a coworker or an NMA member.
The NMA expressed its worry that imposters and quacks are abusing the title of “medical doctor,” claiming that this behaviour damages the reputation of the medical field.
The statement went on to say: “Online and print reports claiming that a doctor shot an EFCC officer in Awka have caught the attention of NMA Anambra State leadership.
“The suspect was identified as a NAUTH employee in one of the articles. But after our inquiry, we would like to make it clear that:
according to the hospital’s administration, Joshua Chukwubueze Ikechukwu is not an employee of NAUTH.
“Neither has any member named him as a colleague, nor is he a member of the NMA Awka Zone. Despite dealing in medical supplies and being mistakenly referred to as such, he is not a medical doctor—not even an academic doctor.
The EFCC and the media are hereby informed by the NMA Anambra State that the aforementioned suspect is not a medical professional. We demand that all writings that have been slanderous about him be immediately retracted. We implore the media to investigate claims thoroughly before reporting them.
The group confirmed that the medical community in Nigeria is still a respectable and law-abiding one and sent its condolences to the EFCC and the surviving family.
Source: Punch Newspaper
