“Dr. Akoda’s” Illegally Obtained Medical License Prompts Lawsuits
Oluwafemi Igberase, otherwise known as “Dr. Charles Akoda” practiced medicine in Prince George’s County for years under a false alias and having fraudulent credentials. Now, several former patients are filing suit against Prince George’s Hospital Center due to the traumatic experiences sustained under Dr. Akoda’s care.
Until 2016, “Dr. Charles Akoda” delivered infants and administered prenatal care at Prince George’s Hospital Center (PGHC). Despite that he treated numerous patients during his employment, this alleged medical professional maintained a false alias and fraudulent medical credentials throughout his time at PGHC.
Who is “Dr. Akoda”?
Oluwafemi Igberase entered the United States in 1991 on a non-immigrant visa. Over the course of the past 26 years, he amassed more than ten different aliases and four fake social security numbers, in addition to numerous other legal documents he used to falsify his identity. In 2011, he used falsified documents to obtain a Maryland Medical License, with which he then secured a position at Prince George’s Hospital Center as an obstetrician and gynecologist. During his employment “Dr. Charles Akoda”, an allegedly trained and licensed physician, oversaw the treatment of numerous patients and their newborns. Prior to his employment at PGHC, Igberase was removed from residency in New Jersey for providing false information.
During a warrant issued search of his home in 2016, officials found several forged documents including a false social security card, Nigerian passport and US visa all under the Akoda name. Other fraudulent documents relating to medical transcripts, diplomas and letters of recommendation were found in his possession, in addition to fraudulent immigration documents and birth certificates.
Taking Legal Action
In November 2016, Oluwafemi Igberase was charged with, and pleaded guilty to, using a social security number to “fraudulently obtain a Maryland medical license.” While he has already faced sentencing for his criminal charges, several former patients of Dr. Akoda have filed a lawsuit against PGHC and its parent company alleging that the hospital failed to properly vet the doctor’s credentials, which in turn led to substantial patient physical and emotional trauma. Patients are seeking damages from PGHC for the suffering that they endured, and continue to face, because of his actions.
PGHC responded to the lawsuits stating, “We intend to vigorously defend the lawsuit which is based on assumptions and accusations that he was not a trained, licensed medical professional. That is not the case,” and by suggesting that “Dr. Akoda” was only granted medical staff privileges at Prince George’s Hospital Center after a background check had been performed by an outside source, validating the social security number he provided.
The medical malpractice attorneys at The Law Offices of Peter Angelos are working with The Law Office of David Ellin to represent victims of “Dr. Akoda” and PGHC’s negligence. If you or a loved one were a patient of “Dr. Akoda” during his tenure at Prince George’s Hospital Center, you may be entitled to file a legal claim for any trauma or suffering that you faced. For more information, or to schedule a free consultation, contact The Law Offices of Peter Angelos today.
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