Nigerian Doctors Face UK Sanctions Over Rape, Fraud, Drug Offences
At least 18 Nigerian medical professionals in the United Kingdom have faced disciplinary proceedings over various criminal and professional offences.
The cases were referred to the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service after concerns were raised about the doctors’ fitness to practise.
Several doctors were suspended, while others were removed from the UK medical register following their hearings.
Among those struck off was Aloaye Foy-Yamah, a Nigerian-trained gynaecologist who practised in England for more than 14 years.
A tribunal found that he had raped a woman on the balance of probabilities and considered him a risk to women.
His findings resulted in his removal from the medical register and ended his ability to practise medicine in Britain.
Olubunmi Adeagbo-Sheikh was also erased from the register following his conviction for benefit fraud.
He was found to have fraudulently obtained £11,000 in Universal Credit using a false tenancy agreement and address.
Although he repaid the money and completed community service, the tribunal found his conduct involved deliberate and persistent dishonesty.
The tribunal also questioned documents submitted in his defence, saying parts appeared to have been produced with artificial intelligence assistance.
Another Nigerian-trained gynaecologist, Joseph Onwude, was struck off after continuing to practise despite losing his licence.
He prescribed medication and performed an HRT implant procedure while unauthorised to practise.
His actions later resulted in both criminal conviction and professional disciplinary proceedings.
Other Nigerian doctors sanctioned included Sandra Ndirika, Anthony Shonde and Chikaodinaka Okolo.
Ndirika was suspended over theft and the use of a cloned bank card, while Shonde received a nine-month suspension.
Shonde had issued more than 1,000 prescriptions for potent opioid medicines, according to tribunal findings.
Okolo was suspended over drug-related conduct and improper prescribing.
Tijjani Shehu received a 12-month suspension after failing to properly assess a seriously ill patient who later died.
However, the tribunal did not find that Shehu’s actions caused or contributed to the patient’s death.
Doctors practising in the UK must remain registered with the General Medical Council and satisfy its fitness-to-practise requirements.
The Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service handles hearings involving doctors referred by the council.
Possible sanctions include warnings, suspensions and permanent removal from the medical register.
The cases highlight the serious professional consequences doctors can face in Britain when criminal, ethical or patient-safety standards are breached.
