NMA Condemns Police ‘Abduction’ Of Member In Anambra, Threatens Shutdown In 72 Hrs
The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Anambra Chapter has condemned the abduction of Dr Ofodile Ekweogwu, a Consultant Neurosurgeon from his office by men suspected to from the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) on March 16 and subsequent threat to his life.
The NMA in a Statement signed by Dr Jane Ezeonu and Dr Frank Ifeanaeme, Chairman and Secretary of the chapter respectively said it would not guarantee industrial harmony if the issues were not addressed within 72 hours.
The association, said Ekweogwu, treated a patient identified as Corporal Okona Stephen Ifeanyi of Nigerian Police Area Command Nnewi who sustained head injury from a road traffic accident in January successfully and discharged him.
It said the medical bill was given to him with clear details and was later given a discount having asked for it.
“He absconded from the hospital by scaling the perimeter fence but later returned topaid part of the bills and was allowed home on self cognisance to complete the payment afterwards.
“Corporal Okona, rather than pay the outstanding, resorted to using intimidation to escape his debt,” it said.
The NMA said the harassment started in February when the patient in company of armed Policemen stormed the consulting room of Ekweogwu without an official invitation and took him to Nnewi Area Command
It said the Area Commander on learning about the matter cautioned Corporal and asked him to pay his outstanding bills of medical services rendered to him.
“Still not satisfied, March 16, Okona with some policemen from Anambra SCID trailed Ekweogwu as he was leaving his clinic in Nnewi in the afternoon, blocked him with a Toyota SUV (not an Official/branded Police vehicle).
“There were four armed men in mufti identifying themselves as policemen from SCID, grabbed him and whisked him away in the boot of the vehicle without any prior invitation.
“He was able to place a call to his wife to alert her of his situation before his phone was taken from him and switched off.
“They were in transit for over three hours driving around different parts of the state while Ekweogwu was being threatened to “settle” with Corporal Okona before getting to their office, which he refused.
On arrival at SCID Ekweogwu was made to write a statement in response to a document of petition he was shown, after which they drove him to Nnewi at night, to get evidence of documentation of care he rendered to Corporal Okona.
“Following calls from leaders of our association who came to the hospital Ekweogwu was reluctantly released on the order of the Commissioner of Police Anambra State, who was eventually informed about the incident.
*After Dr Ekweogwu was released, Corporal Okona threatened verbally that he will use other means to get back at him, if the matter isn’t handled to his satisfaction by Nigerian Police,” it said.
The NMA in their five point resolution demanded the immediate arrest, investigation and prosecution of Okona and his collaborators as their action was a dent on the Nigerian Police
They also demanded an undertaking of full responsibility for the safety of Ekweogwu signed by the Okona as NMA would hold the Police responsible for any harm on him or members of his family.
“We condemn in the strongest term, the kidnap, torture, attempted extortion, mental assault and threat to life of our member, whose only crime was treating a Police officer, successfully and demanding payment for his services.
“These people not represent the ideals and character of the Nigerian Police.
“A 72-hour ultimatum is hereby given for a satisfactory response to these demands, failure upon which we shall seek legal redress, may not guarantee industrial harmony and shall employ means to protect our members from any similar assaults from men of the Nigerian Police,” it said.
The NMA appreciated the Police Commissioner, Nnewi Area Command and Anambra government through the Commissioner for Health for their prompt intervention.
