A woman accused of illegally practising as a gynaecologist and performing medical procedures without a valid medical licence is currently facing criminal charges in Abuja, a source familiar with the case told West Africa Weekly on Saturday.
According to court records from the Federal High Court in Abuja, Miriam Ugochi Emenike has been charged with forgery, impersonation, and obtaining employment under false pretences.
In July 2023, Emenike applied for a position at Echoes of God’s Mercy & Grace Mission Specialist Hospital in Umuahia, claiming to be a medical practitioner. Despite concerns from the hospital’s administrative staff about the authenticity of her credentials, the hospital’s CEO insisted on hiring her.
Documents obtained by West Africa Weekly reveal that shortly after she was hired, medical practitioners at the hospital noticed inconsistencies in her documentation, including her inability to use proper medical terminology.
In September 2023, Emenike allegedly administered medications that resulted in a miscarriage for one patient and the death of another.
The source speaking to West Africa Weekly also alleged that several individuals, including medical practitioners, have reported that she administered scent leaf water directly into patients’ uteruses under the guise of IVF treatment, raising questions about her competence as a practitioner.
Following these incidents, doctors at the hospital demanded proof of Emenike’s medical license. When she failed to provide valid documentation, they called for her removal. However, she was promoted to Chief Medical Director instead of being dismissed.
This led to a mass resignation of all doctors at the hospital. In a formal letter to the CEO, they demanded independent verification of all medical staff credentials, warning that retaining an unqualified individual as CMD could endanger patients and expose licensed doctors to professional sanctions.
On May 14, 2024, a petition was filed with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) against the hospital and Emenike, urging an immediate investigation and a ban on her medical practice in Nigeria.
We are of the firm view that the action of the Hospital management is highly unethical, unprofessional, embarrassing, negligent and indeed altogether fraudulent. Our further investigation revealed that the Hospital is offering medical care without formal license to do so, the petition partly read.
The MDCN’s investigation confirmed that Emenike’s name does not appear in its registry of licensed medical practitioners. Additionally, the folio number she used to obtain her position reportedly belongs to another doctor.
Beyond her fraudulent medical career, Emenike is also facing legal proceedings in Owerri over financial crimes. A 123-page case file obtained by West Africa Weekly details allegations that she defrauded a bank by selling land and a filling station using forged documents.
According to West Africa Weekly’s source, the next court hearing is scheduled for March 10, 2025, in Abuja, with several medical professionals and other individuals expected to testify against her.
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