Fake Doctor Jailed, To Refund Money Earned With Fake Certificate

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has secured the conviction of a fake Doctor, Martins Ugwu, who impersonated his best friend to secure employment at the Federal Ministry of Health.

Martins Ugwu used the stolen credentials of his friend, Dr. George Daniel Davidson, to pose as a medical doctor and worked for 10 years before being caught.

Martins Ugwu was charged in February 2016 with a seven-count offense before Justice Abubakar Idris Kutigi of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Jabi. The charges included making false statements to the Federal Civil Service Commission to gain employment in 2006, a violation of Section 25 (1) (a) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

According to ICPC spokesperson Demola Bakare, Ugwu fraudulently earned salaries and allowances totaling N17.2 million during his time at the ministry. He also used the fake credentials to obtain a staff identity card, apply for annual leave, and enroll in a postgraduate training program in epidemiology.

During sentencing on Tuesday, ICPC Counsel Dr. Osuobeni Ekoi Akponimisingha urged the court to order Ugwu to refund the money he earned fraudulently. Justice Kutigi, acknowledging the severity of the issue of unqualified medical practitioners, emphasized that the sentence would serve as a deterrent.

Martins Ugwu was sentenced to six months in prison for each of the seven charges, to run consecutively. The court also ordered him to refund all salaries and allowances he earned. Should Martins Ugwu fail to meet the restitution requirement, an additional one-year jail term will be imposed.
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