Abuja Court Cracks Down on Fake Doctor

Fake Medical Practitioner Sentenced to 3 Years in Prison

For nearly a decade, Martins Ugwu posed as a qualified medical doctor, fraudulently receiving N17.2 million...

A high court in Abuja has sentenced a man to 3 years and 6 months in prison for impersonating a doctor and working at the Federal Ministry of Health for nearly a decade.

A high court in Jabi, Abuja, has sentenced Martins Ugwu to three years and six months in prison for impersonating his friend, George Daniel Davidson, and using his certificate to work as a doctor at the Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH) for almost a decade.

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) spokesperson, Demola Bakare, announced the sentencing in a statement on Tuesday, November 26. Ugwu was found guilty of providing false information to the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC) chairman, which secured him a job in 2006.

During his tenure, Ugwu earned N17.2 million in salaries and benefits while pretending to be a licensed medical professional. The court ordered him to repay the stolen funds, with an additional one-year prison term if he fails to comply.

For nearly a decade, Martins Ugwu posed as a qualified medical doctor, fraudulently receiving N17.2 million in salaries and allowances. This offense is a clear violation of Section 25(1)(a) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

Ugwu's deception went even further, as he used forged documents to obtain a staff ID card, apply for annual leave, and even enroll in a postgraduate epidemiology program, which could have led to a master's degree. These actions demonstrate the extent of his fraudulent activities.

During the sentencing hearing, ICPC counsel Osuobeni Ekoi Akponimisingha requested that the court order Ugwu to repay the N17.2 million he unlawfully earned. This request seeks to hold Ugwu accountable for his actions and ensure that he does not benefit from his fraudulent activities.

Judge Abubakar Idris Kutigi strongly condemned Ugwu's actions, highlighting the growing threat posed by fake doctors in the country. He emphasized that the sentence was necessary to deter others from committing similar crimes.

Ugwu was sentenced to six months in prison for each of the seven charges, totaling three and a half years. The sentences will be served consecutively. Additionally, Ugwu was ordered to repay the N17.2 million he had earned unlawfully. Failure to comply with the restitution order will result in an additional year in prison.