Release Ikeotunye, Charge Him To Court—Anambra NMA Tells AIG Zone 13
The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Anambra Branch has called on the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 13, Ukpo to immediately release Dr Chidiebere, Ikeotunye, a Consultant Obstetrician with Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi
NMA made the demand in a Communique issued at the end of its virtually Emergency General Meeting (EGM) held on Thursday and made available to journalists in Awka.
The communiqué was signed Dr Princeston Okam and Dr Obiaeli Ifeanyi, Chairman and Secretary respectively.
The NMA said Ikeotunye was arrested on Wednesday by personnel attached Police Zone 13 Command, Ukpo as a result of the death of a patient he was handling.
The doctors said Ikeotuonye was invited byto Zone 13 on accusation of murder and conspiracy to murder of a patient he treated but was detained while other specialist involved in the management of the deceased patient were released on bail.
“Our colleague, Dr Ikeotuonye Chidiebere was detained and refused bail yesterday, Wednesday, Nov. 12 by the Nigerian Police, Zone 13 following the unfortunate demise of a patient he attended to.
“Dr Ikeotuonye was detained and refused bail after interrogation and interaction with the AIG, while the other colleague was bailed after payment was made,” it said
NMA Anambra extended empathy and commiserates with the family of the deceased over this unfortunate incident and condemned the ‘incessant attack and harassment’ by the Police in the course of discharging their duties
It said the index case did not in any way translate to murder or conspiracy to murder.
The association demanded that Ikeotunye be released on bail immediately or charged to court within 24 hours as stipulated by law.
“If within 24 hours our colleague is not released on bail or charged to court, NMA Anambra will have no other option than to withdraw the services of her members across the State.
“NMA Anambra will explore all legitimate and legal means at her disposal to stop the incessant harassment of her members in their line of duty,” it said.
The NMA congratulated Gov. Chukwuma Soludo on his re-election and urged him to use his good offices to protect the healthcare system in the Anambra from unwarranted attacks and imminent collapse.
NMA called members to continue to provide quality, affordable and accessible healthcare services to Anambra peop
le in spite the challenges.
