By Akinsuroju Olubunmi
UK Tribunal extends suspension for Nigerian doctor involved in patient sex scandal.
A Nigerian doctor, Ewere Onyekpe, facing allegations of engaging in sexual activity with a patient in a hospital’s toilet cubicle, has been handed an additional six-month suspension by a UK tribunal.
Mr. Onyekpe, employed as a locum registrar at the Whittington Hospital in London, reportedly initiated a sexual relationship with the woman while providing medical care.
Initially suspended for six months by the Medical Practitioners Tribunal of the General Medical Council (GMC), the decision was revisited after an appeal by the Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care (PSA). The tribunal ultimately upheld the suspension, albeit extended to a total of 12 months, which was later reduced to six months to account for time already served.
The tribunal, chaired by Tanveer Rakhim, examined the case extensively, revealing details of Mr. Onyekpe’s misconduct. It was found that he engaged in sexual intercourse with the patient in the hospital’s toilet cubicle and later at her home. The relationship, characterized by personal and highly sexualized messages, lasted for several weeks until Mr. Onyekpe’s arrest in August 2020 on suspicion of rape, though he was subsequently released without charge.
During the tribunal, the medical regulatory body pushed for Mr. Onyekpe’s erasure from the medical register, citing his abuse of power and exploitation of a vulnerable patient. However, Mr. Onyekpe’s representative highlighted his acceptance of responsibility and cooperation with the investigation, arguing against erasure.
The tribunal ultimately concluded that while Mr. Onyekpe’s actions warranted suspension, immediate erasure was not necessary. His registration will be suspended unless an appeal is lodged within 28 days.
Mr. Onyekpe’s journey in medicine began in Nigeria before relocating to the UK in 2008. He underwent medical training and worked in various hospitals before the incidents occurred at the Whittington Hospital.
Doctor, Tribunal, UK tribunal