The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) Anambra State chapter has issued a preliminary release regarding the recent killing of an EFCC officer in Awka, Anambra State.
The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Friday, January 17, 2025, at Dr. J.O. Ukwutinife Close, Ifite, Awka, allegedly involved a medical doctor shooting the EFCC officer.
However, the NMA Anambra State has now clarified that the suspect, Joshua Chukwubueze Ikechukwu, is not a medical doctor as widely reported by the media. According to their findings:
1. Joshua Chukwubueze Ikechukwu is not a staff member of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), as confirmed by the hospital management.
2. He is not a member of the NMA Awka Zone, and no member has been able to identify him as a colleague or member of the NMA.
3. Despite dealing in medical supplies and being addressed as “Doctor,” Joshua Chukwubueze Ikechukwu is not a medical doctor or even an academic doctor.
The NMA Anambra State has expressed concern over the misuse of the title “Medical Doctor” by imposters and quacks, which they believe tarnishes the image of the medical profession. They have called upon the media and EFCC to refrain from using the title “Medical Doctor” when referring to the suspect and have demanded an immediate retraction of all defamatory publications where he was addressed as such.
The NMA Anambra State has also urged the media to exercise due diligence before publishing stories, especially those involving the medical profession. They have extended their condolences to the EFCC and the bereaved family, while reassuring the public that the medical profession remains a noble one and that Nigerian doctors are responsible and law-abiding citizens.