The Nigerian Medical Association, Anambra State faction has dismissed reports that the individual, Joshua Chukwubueze Ikechukwu, accused of shooting dead an official of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in Awka is a medical doctor.
In a statement issued by the association’s State Secretary, Dr Obiaeli Ifeanyi, on Monday via X (formerly Twitter), the NMA clarified that the suspect 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, 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.
However, the NMA’s preliminary investigation revealed the following: Joshua Chukwubueze 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.
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.
