LAGOS, Nigeria(VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Ogun State chapter of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), has officially stated that a suspect linked to a corps member’s death in Abeokuta is not a registered nurse, raising serious concerns about quackery in the health sector.
Authorities clarified that the nurse identified as Kehinde Adesanya, who is now in police custody is neither licensed nor recognized to practise nursing anywhere in Nigeria.
In a statement issued after an internal review, the council, speaking through its state leadership and aligned with its national registrar said its investigation found no record linking the suspect to the professional body.
The council’s chairman Dr. Serifat Aminu, who signed the statement on behalf of the medical body, said, “In line with our regulatory mandate, we conducted a thorough review of available records and necessary verification checks. The outcome clearly shows that the individual in question is not registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria.”
However, the council expressed concern over widespread reports describing the suspect as a nurse.
According to Aminu, such claims are inaccurate and harmful to the profession’s credibility.
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“The nursing profession is guided by strict training, certification and ethical standards. Referring to an unqualified individual as a nurse is not only incorrect but also damaging to the image of the profession,” she added.
Meanwhile, the development has reignited warnings about the dangers of unlicensed practitioners operating within Nigeria’s healthcare system.
The council stressed that quackery continues to threaten patient safety, often leading to avoidable complications and fatalities.
“Quackery remains a serious threat, as such individuals lack the requisite knowledge, skills and regulatory oversight needed to provide safe and effective care. Their activities can lead to severe health complications and even preventable deaths,” Aminu stated.
In response, residents have been urged to exercise caution when seeking medical care. The council advised the public to verify the credentials of healthcare providers and avoid unaccredited facilities.
“We urge the public to seek care only from recognized and accredited health facilities and to promptly report suspected cases of quackery to relevant authorities,” Dr. Aminu added.
Beyond this case, the council reaffirmed its commitment to protecting public health through stricter enforcement and collaboration with government agencies. Notably, efforts are ongoing to identify, apprehend and prosecute individuals posing as healthcare professionals.
