By: Sunday Ameh
A major controversy has engulfed the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) as the Enugu State Branch has accused national officers of endorsing a fictitious medical practitioner allegedly used to manipulate internal disputes within the association.
At the centre of the scandal is an individual identified as “Dr. Nnaemeka Victor”, who purportedly instituted a lawsuit against the NMA Enugu West Zone in 2022. However, the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) has confirmed that no such name exists in its official register of licensed medical practitioners, raising questions about the authenticity of the supposed doctor and the legitimacy of the legal action.
A certified true copy of a ruling from the High Court in Agbani, Enugu State, shows that the matter—Suit No. HAGB/26/2022—was struck out on May 10, 2023, for lack of diligence. Despite this, the NMA national leadership, led by President Prof. Bala Mohammed Audu, is said to have continued to treat the case as ongoing.
Investigations suggest the fictitious identity was allegedly deployed by former NMA Enugu chairman Dr. Chibuzo Ndiokwelu, with the reported support of the association’s National Treasurer, Dr. Celestine Ugwoke. The motive, according to Enugu NMA officials, was to avoid accounting for funds allegedly mismanaged during their tenure.
In a strongly worded letter dated March 26, 2025, and addressed to the NMA President, Enugu State NMA Chairman, Dr. Sunday Okafor, and Secretary, Dr. Chima Edoga, accused the national leadership of undermining the MDCN and enabling misconduct within the profession. The branch also condemned the continued recognition of suspended officers allegedly involved in the scandal.
The MDCN had earlier written to the NMA on November 7, 2023, confirming that the so-called “Dr. Nnaemeka Victor Nnamchi” was not in its database, further validating suspicions that the identity was fabricated to file court suits and influence association activities.
The Enugu branch also accused the suspended officers of engaging in unethical behaviour, including allegedly hijacking an association electronic recorder during a failed meeting in February 2024, reportedly aided by hired thugs posing as security personnel.
The branch warned that failure of the national leadership to discipline those involved could force them to take legal action and publicly distance themselves from what they described as fraudulent conduct capable of tarnishing the medical profession.
Meanwhile, a medical doctor, Dr. Oforbuike Justin, described the episode as “morally reprehensible,” urging the NMA to protect its reputation and uphold ethical standards rather than shielding alleged misconduct.
The NMA national leadership has yet to make an official public response to the allegations.
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