Between July 2025 and July 2026, at least 16 Nigerian medical professionals practising in the United Kingdom were either suspended or struck off the medical register by the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS). The sanctions followed findings of misconduct ranging from rape, fraud, theft, drug possession, reckless driving, and unauthorised practice.
The MPTS, which adjudicates cases referred by the General Medical Council (GMC), concluded that these doctors had breached the Good Medical Practice (GMP) standards. Out of 18 Nigerians reviewed, 10 were suspended, three were struck off, one was cautioned, while others faced varying disciplinary measures.
One notable case involved Olubunmi Adeagbo-Sheikh, a gastroenterologist trained at Igbinedion University, Edo State. He was struck off in September 2025 after being convicted of benefit fraud.
Adeagbo-Sheikh fraudulently claimed £11,000 in Universal Credit using a fake tenancy agreement. The tribunal described his conduct as “fraud from start to finish.” He compounded his misconduct by submitting AI-generated reports and testimonials to the GMC, which the tribunal rejected as dishonest attempts to mislead regulators.
Another case involved Aloaye Foy-Yamah, a gynaecologist trained at the University of Benin, who was struck off in May 2026 after being found guilty of rape on the “balance of probabilities.” The tribunal ruled that Foy-Yamah posed a continuing risk to women and could not be trusted to practise medicine safely.
Similarly, Joseph Onwude, trained at the University of Ibadan, was erased from the register in 2025 for unauthorised practice and dishonesty. Despite losing his licence in 2021, Onwude continued prescribing drugs and performing surgeries, leading to criminal conviction and compensation orders.
Sandra Ndirika, a urology trainee, was suspended for 18 months in August 2025 after being convicted of theft from patients and colleagues. She stole cash and cloned bank cards, breaching fundamental tenets of medical ethics and undermining public trust.
Ifeanyi Ntomchukwu, a Senior Registrar, was suspended for reckless driving offences, including speeding at over 100 mph on a provisional licence. His failure to notify the GMC of his conviction was deemed misconduct, further eroding confidence in his professional judgment.
Tijjani Shehu, practising at King’s Mill Hospital, was suspended for 12 months after failing to properly assess a patient with sepsis, delaying diagnosis and treatment. Although not directly responsible for the patient’s death, his negligence was considered a serious breach of professional standards.
Anthony Shonde, a gastroenterologist, was suspended for nine months in August 2025 for issuing over 1,000 excessive opiate prescriptions without proper patient history.
Chikaodinaka Okolo, trained at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, was suspended in March 2026 for drug possession and prescription abuses, including issuing prescriptions under false names.
Other Nigerians sanctioned included Charles Anigala, Moboladale Ojutiku, Olusola Sanusi, John Akumabor, and Anthony Odume, each facing suspensions for misconduct.
In contrast, Ufunwen Osayi was let off with a warning after producing inaccurate autopsy results. The tribunal ruled his errors were honest mistakes rather than deliberate dishonesty.
Restoration applications by Maduka Ogwueleka and Samuel Olatigbe, previously struck off, were rejected as the tribunal was unconvinced of their fitness to practise.
The UK’s disciplinary system is rigorous and transparent. The MPTS publishes detailed records of hearings and sanctions, reinforcing accountability and public trust.
Unlike the UK, Nigeria’s Medical and Dental Council (MDCN) does not publish comprehensive disciplinary records. Decisions are rarely accessible to the public, limiting transparency.
For Nigerian lawyers and regulators, these cases highlight the urgent need for transparency, consistency, and stronger enforcement in professional discipline. Lessons from the UK show that misconduct must be addressed decisively to protect the public and uphold the integrity of professions. Reported cases exist (e.g., suspension of Euracare doctors after Chimamanda Adichie’s son’s death), but enforcement appears inconsistent. Experts note insufficient monitoring of patient safety protocols and professional standards, leading to recurring negligence cases.