The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has refuted claims that Joshua Ikechukwu, the alleged killer of an Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) operative, is a medical doctor.
The EFCC, on Sunday, accused Ikechukwu of killing Aminu Salisu, an assistant superintendent officer (ASO), during an operation in Anambra State. According to the agency, Ikechukwu is involved in internet fraud and deals in coding and online medical supplies of questionable authenticity.
Despite these allegations, several reports identified Ikechukwu as a medical doctor allegedly affiliated with the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH) in Nnewi, prompting clarification from the NMA.
In a statement on Monday, Obiaeli Ifeanyi, secretary of NMA’s Anambra chapter, categorically denied Ikechukwu’s membership in the medical profession, attributing the misrepresentation to his dealings in medical supplies.
“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,” 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.
“This calls for concern about the flagrant abuse of the title Medical Doctor by imposters and quacks, dragging the image of the revered medical profession to the mud.”
The NMA also called on the public and media outlets to refrain from addressing Ikechukwu as a doctor, stressing the importance of preserving the integrity of the medical profession.
The association further demanded a public retraction from the EFCC and media organizations that published reports falsely attributing the suspect’s identity to the medical profession.
