Police sources have revealed that Joshua Chukwubueze Ikechukwu, the suspect accused of fatally shooting EFCC operative Halisu Sahabi during a raid in Awka, Anambra State, has made contradictory claims during interrogation.
Initial media reports alleged Ikechukwu was a medical doctor, but the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Anambra State has refuted this.
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According to Dr. Obiaeli Ifeanyi, State Secretary of the NMA, the suspect is not a member of the association, nor has he been identified as affiliated with the medical profession in the Awka zone.
“The attention of the Leadership of NMA Anambra State has been drawn to publications alleging a medical doctor shot an EFCC officer in Awka. We clarify that Joshua Chukwubueze Ikechukwu is not a medical doctor,” read an official NMA statement.
Police reports indicate Ikechukwu confessed to falsely claiming the title because people often referred to him as “Doctor” due to his dealings in medical supplies.
Contradictions in Firearm Ownership
The suspect initially claimed the firearm used in the incident was licensed to his father. However, police sources confirmed he later contradicted himself, alleging the weapon was given to him by another individual.
A police source disclosed:
“The suspect recanted his claims, admitting he is not a licensed firearm holder. His father, who came to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to secure bail, initially claimed ownership of the gun but refused to put this in writing when asked.”
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EFCC Officer Laid to Rest
The tragic incident occurred during a sting operation in Awka on Friday, January 17, 2025. Assistant Superintendent Halisu Sahabi, a dedicated EFCC operative, was fatally shot. He was buried in Sokoto State, where he was mourned by friends, family, and colleagues.
The NMA has condemned any attempts to associate the suspect with the medical profession, urging media outlets and the EFCC to retract defamatory claims.
As investigations continue, the public and Sahabi’s grieving family call for justice in this high-profile case.
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