The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Anambra State has disowned the suspect who allegedly shot and killed an officer of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) during a raid in Awka, the state capital, on Friday.
There were reports that the suspect, Joshua Chukwubueze Ikechukwu, who opened fire on the EFFC official, is a medical doctor who is involved in Internet fraud.
However, the NMA in a statement on Monday distanced itself from the suspect, saying he is not their member.
In the statement signed by its State Secretary, Dr. Obiaeli Ifeanyi, the NMA clarified that the suspect is neither a licensed medical doctor nor a member of the association.
The body also urged the media to desist from describing the suspect as a medical doctor.
The statement read: “The attention of the Leadership of NMA Anambra State has been drawn to the online & newspaper publications in which it was alleged that a medical doctor shot an @officialEFCC 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 involves a ‘medical doctor’.
“In one of the publications, the purported doctor was said to be a staff of 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
1. Joshua Chukwubueze Ikechukwu is NOT a staff of NAUTH as has already been debunked by the NAUTH management.
2. 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.
3. 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.
“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.”
