NMA Denies Killer of EFCC Operative Is a Medical Doctor
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has refuted claims that Joshua Chukwubueze Ikechukwu, who allegedly shot and killed an officer of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), is a medical doctor. This clarification follows media reports identifying Ikechukwu as a doctor affiliated with the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH).
In a statement issued by the Secretary of the NMA’s Anambra chapter, Dr. Obiaeli Ifeanyi, the association debunked the allegations, asserting that thorough investigations revealed Ikechukwu is neither a registered medical practitioner nor an employee of NAUTH.
The incident in question occurred in the early hours of Friday, January 17, 2025, at Dr. J.O. Ukwutinife Close, Ifite, Awka, where Ikechukwu allegedly shot and killed an EFCC operative during an unexpected raid. Social media users have since called on the NMA to address the suspect’s purported identity as a medical doctor.
Dr. Ifeanyi explained that a widely circulated report falsely identified Ikechukwu as a medical doctor working at NAUTH. However, the hospital’s management confirmed that the suspect is not listed on their payroll.
Additionally, the NMA’s investigation revealed that Ikechukwu is not a registered member of the association’s Awka Zone or the Anambra chapter as a whole. “No member has identified him as a colleague,” Dr. Ifeanyi noted.
In a formal statement posted on the Anambra chapter’s X (formerly Twitter) handle, the NMA emphasised that Ikechukwu is neither a medical doctor nor even an academic doctor. The association clarified that the suspect’s dealings in medical supplies may have led to his erroneous designation as “Doctor.”
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The statement read: “Joshua Chukwubueze Ikechukwu is NOT a medical doctor (not even an academic doctor) as widely published by the media, though he deals in medical supplies and has been addressed as a doctor. By this, the NMA Anambra State wishes to notify the media and EFCC that the said Joshua Chukwubueze Ikechukwu is NOT a medical doctor. We demand an immediate retraction of all defamatory publications where the suspect was addressed as a medical doctor.”
The NMA also expressed concern over the misuse of the title “Medical Doctor” by imposters and quacks, which it said tarnishes the reputation of the medical profession. The association called on the media to exercise greater diligence in verifying information before publication.
Concluding its statement, the Anambra chapter of the NMA extended condolences to the EFCC and the bereaved family, stating, “While we commiserate with the EFCC and the bereaved family on this unfortunate incident, please be assured that the medical profession is a noble one, and Nigerian doctors are responsible and law-abiding citizens.”
This clarification underscores the importance of accurate reporting and the need to protect the integrity of the medical profession.
Content Credit| Igbakuma Rita Doom
Picture Credit | https://www.gistreel.com/
