EFCC officer’s killer not medical doctor, says NMA

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Anambra State Chapter, has refuted claims that the individual accused of killing an Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) officer in Awka is a medical doctor.

In a statement issued by the association’s State Secretary, Dr Obiaeli Ifeanyi, yesterday via X (formerly Twitter), the NMA clarified that the suspect, identified as Joshua Chukwubueze Ikechukwu, is neither a licensed medical doctor nor a member of the association.

The clarification followed widespread media reports erroneously labelling the suspect as a medical professional. The NMA expressed concern over the misuse of the title, “medical doctor” by impostors, which, it said, tarnishes the reputation of the medical profession.

The incident reportedly occurred in the early hours of Friday, January 17, 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 (NAUTH).

However, the NMA’s preliminary investigation revealed the following: Ikechukwu is not a staff member of NAUTH. This has already been debunked by NAUTH management.

He is not a member of the NMA Awka Zone. No member of the association has been able to identify him as either a colleague or a member of the NMA. He is not a medical doctor. Although widely reported by the media as a doctor, Ikechukwu deals in medical supplies and was only erroneously addressed as one.

The NMA highlighted its concern over the misuse of the “medical doctor” title by impostors and quacks, stating that this practice tarnishes the image of the medical profession.