The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Anambra State chapter, has condemned the alleged abduction of Dr. Ofodile Ekweogwu, a consultant neurosurgeon, from his office by men suspected to be from the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) on March 16, News About Nigeria reports.
They also expressed concern over the subsequent threats to his life.
In a statement signed by Dr. Jane Ezeonu and Dr. Dubem Awachie, Chairman and Secretary of the chapter, respectively, the NMA stated that they would not guarantee industrial harmony if the issues were not addressed within 72 hours.
The association revealed that Dr. Ekweogwu had successfully treated a patient, identified as Corporal Okona Stephen Ifeanyi of the Nigerian Police Area Command Nnewi, who had sustained head injuries from a road traffic accident in January.
However, Corporal Okona allegedly absconded from the hospital without settling his outstanding bills, prompting harassment and intimidation towards Dr. Ekweogwu.
According to the NMA, the harassment escalated when Corporal Okona, accompanied by armed policemen, stormed Dr. Ekweogwu’s consulting room without an official invitation and took him to Nnewi Area Command.
Despite warnings from the area commander to settle his outstanding bills, the harassment continued.
On March 16, Corporal Okona, along with some policemen from Anambra SCID, allegedly trailed Dr. Ekweogwu as he was leaving his clinic in Nnewi.
Dr. Ekweogwu was reportedly blocked, grabbed, and whisked away in the boot of a Toyota SUV by armed men claiming to be policemen from SCID, without any prior invitation.
During the three-hour transit, Dr. Ekweogwu was allegedly threatened to ‘settle’ with Corporal Okona before being taken to SCID, where he was forced to write a statement in response to a petition.
He was later driven to Nnewi at night to gather evidence of the medical care he provided to Corporal Okona.
Following intervention from NMA leaders and the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State, Dr. Ekweogwu was reluctantly released.
However, Corporal Okona allegedly threatened to use other means to retaliate if the matter wasn’t handled to his satisfaction.
In response, the NMA issued a five-point resolution, including the immediate arrest, investigation, and prosecution of Okona and his collaborators, as well as an undertaking of full responsibility for Dr. Ekweogwu’s safety by Okona.
The association condemned the actions of Corporal Okona and his collaborators, noting that they do not represent the ideals and character of the Nigerian Police.
They urged for a satisfactory response within 72 hours, warning of legal action and potential industrial disharmony if their demands are not met.
The NMA expressed appreciation to the Police Commissioner, Nnewi Area Command, and the Anambra government for their prompt intervention in the matter.
