The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Anambra State Chapter, has said the individual accused of killing an Economic and Financial Crimes Commission officer in Awka is not a medical doctor.
This was disclosed by the association’s State Secretary, Obiaeli Ifeanyi, on X (formerly Twitter) this Monday. The association explained that the suspect, identified as Joshua Chukwubueze Ikechukwu, is neither a licensed medical doctor nor a member of the association.
The NMA said the misuse of the title “medical doctor” widely reported by the media 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 investigation showed that Ikechukwu is not a staff member of NAUTH, nor is he a member of the NMA Awka Zone.
The statement further read: “The attention of the leadership of NMA Anambra State has been drawn to online and newspaper publications alleging that a medical doctor shot an EFCC officer in Awka.
“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.