Anambra NMA Demands Justice as Police Officer Abducts Doctor Who Saved His Life

The Anambra State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has taken a strong stance, demanding the arrest and prosecution of Corporal Okona Ifeanyi from the Criminal Investigation Department in Nnewi. This demand follows allegations that Corporal Okona kidnapped and assaulted Dr. Ofodile Ekweogwu, a consultant neurosurgeon and member of the association.

According to a statement released by the Anambra NMA on March 17, 2024, after an emergency state executive council meeting, the incident occurred after Corporal Okona was admitted to a private medical facility in January 2024 for treatment of a head injury sustained in a road accident. Dr. Ekweogwu provided neurosurgery care, and the patient fully recovered and was discharged.

Allegations surfaced that Corporal Okona evaded settling his medical bill, initially leaving the hospital without payment but later returning to pay a portion of the bill. However, he allegedly resorted to intimidation tactics, including bringing armed policemen, to avoid paying the remaining balance.

The situation escalated when Corporal Okona, accompanied by officers from Anambra SCID, abducted Dr. Ekweogwu as he was leaving his clinic in Nnewi. Dr. Ekweogwu was threatened and forced to write a statement in response to a petition. Despite complying, he was detained for hours before being released late into the night.

The Anambra NMA condemned the actions of Corporal Okona and his collaborators, labeling the incident as “kidnap, torture, and attempted extortion, medical assault and threat to the life of our member.” They called for the immediate arrest, suspension, investigation, trial, and appropriate sanctioning of all involved, stressing the need to uphold the integrity of the Nigeria Police Force.