A fake medical practitioner operating in the Ikorodu area of Lagos State has been apprehended by operatives of the Lagos State Police Command for practising with a forged certificate from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State.
Identified as Tayo Shakirudeeen, an indigene of Abeokuta, Ogun State, the fake doctor was found in possession of about 200 patient cards, raising concerns about the extent of his illicit medical activities.
Shakirudeen confessed to treating various ailments, including malaria, typhoid, infections, and even performing surgeries on children suffering from appendix issues. He admitted to working as a Nursing Assistant at The Jones Hospital, Ojokoro, along Ikorodu Road, where he gained the necessary skills to pose as a medical practitioner.
When questioned about the duration of his fraudulent medical practice, Shakirudeen confessed to three years, claiming it was his first time performing a proper surgery. He detailed his procedure, stating, “I used a surgical blade to dissect the stomach, cut the appendix, suctioned the flesh fat and the skin, packed it with gauze, and applied plaster.”
The fake doctor revealed that he charged patients ₦150,000 for surgeries and operated with a team of six workers at his hospital, Skyline Medical Centre, located in Ikorodu. Despite his deceitful actions, Shakirudeen expressed remorse, urging others engaged in similar activities to desist.
In a shocking revelation, Shakirudeen admitted to holding only an SSCE certificate from Majidun Grammar School, debunking his claims of possessing a legitimate medical degree from OAU. He confessed to forging the certificate and assisting his former boss during surgeries, demonstrating the audacity of his fraudulent activities.
Commenting on the arrest, a police spokesperson emphasized the seriousness of the offense, stressing the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of the public. The case serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by individuals masquerading as qualified medical professionals and underscores the need for rigorous oversight and regulation within the healthcare sector.