The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Benue State Branch, has stated that Jonah Otumala Ogbaji is not a medical doctor and is not a member of the association. The clarification follows recent reports of his arrest in Makurdi and earlier descriptions of him in some accounts as a medical doctor or Medical Director of Multicare Hospital.
In a press release dated 25 September 2026 and signed by NMA Benue Chairman Dr Fanen Dogoh, Secretary Dr Mark A.C. Ogbodo and Public Relations Officer Dr Bernard Audu, the association said Ogbaji does not hold the professional status of a medical doctor. It noted that the use of the title “Dr.”, ownership or management of a healthcare facility, and participation in health-related activities do not, by themselves, establish that an individual is a medical doctor.
According to the NMA, practising medicine in Nigeria requires recognised medical training, registration with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), completion of the prescribed professional requirements and a valid practising licence. The MDCN similarly states that medical practitioners must be appropriately registered and licensed, with annual practising requirements applying to registered practitioners. The association therefore urged journalists, government agencies, healthcare institutions and members of the public to verify professional credentials before describing individuals as medical doctors.
The statement comes shortly after reports concerning Ogbaji’s removal from Multicare Hospital along Ahmadu Bello Way, Makurdi, on 23 September. Some initial accounts described the incident as an alleged abduction. The Benue State Police Command later clarified that Ogbaji was arrested by operatives of the Special Tactical Squad attached to the Force Intelligence Department, Abuja, in connection with an ongoing investigation. Police said the specific circumstances of the investigation were not yet known to the state command.
Several reports published before the police clarification had described Ogbaji as a medical doctor or Medical Director. The NMA’s subsequent statement addresses a separate issue: the professional credentials of individuals presented to the public in that capacity. As of the time of writing, the association’s position remains that Ogbaji is neither a medical doctor nor a member of the NMA.
