The Anambra State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), on Monday, disowned Joshua Chukwubueze Ikechukwu, who claimed to be a medical doctor.
It could be recalled that Ikechukwu allegedly killed an official of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), in the early hours of Friday 17th January, 2025 at Dr. J.O. Ukwutinife Close, Ifite, Awka, Anambra State.
According to a statement by the state Secretary, Dr. Obiaeli Ifeanyi, the association said Ikechukwu is not a medical doctor, hence, cannot be a member of NMA.
The association’ scribe also stated that no member of the association has been able to identify such a name as either a colleague or member of NMA in the state.
“The attention of the Leadership of NMA Anambra State has been drawn to publications in which it was alleged that a medical doctor shot EFCC officer at Awka. The incident was said to have occurred in early hours of Friday 17th January, 2025 at Dr. J.O. Ukwutinife Close, Ifite, Awka, Anambra State and the media has been agog with the news especially as it involve a “medical doctor”
In one of the publications, the purported doctor was said to be a staff of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH).
While emotions are high especially within the medical community for NMA to intervene, we wish to bring to your attention our findings so far on Joshua Chukwubueze Ikechukwu.
“Joshua Chukwubueze Ikechukwu is NOT a staff of NAUTH as has already been debunked by the NAUTH management. Joshua Chukwubueze Ikechukwu is NOT a member of NMA Awka Zone and no member has been able to identify such a name as either a colleague or member of NMA.
“Joshua Chukwubueze Ikechukwu is NOT a Medical Doctor (not even an academic doctor) as widely published by the media though he deals on medical supplies and has been addressed as Doctor.”
“This calls for concern the flagrant abuse of the title Medical Doctor by imposters and quacks, dragging the image of the revered medical profession to the mud.”
NMA, however, called on everyone including the media to refrain from referring the suspect as a medical doctor.
“By this NMA Anambra State wishes to notify the Media & EFCC that the said Joshua Chukwubueze Ikechukwu is not a Medical Doctor and that they refrain henceforth from using the title medical doctor for the suspect.
“We also demand immediate retraction of all defamatory publications from the EFCC & media where the suspect was addressed as a medical doctor. We urge the media to do due diligence before making their publications.
“While we commiserate with the EFCC and the bereaved family on this unfortunate incident, please be rest assured that the medical profession is a noble one and Nigerian Doctors are responsible and remain law abiding.”
