Bowie Man Pleads Guilty to Faking Medical License

BOWIE, MD — A Bowie man pleaded guilty Wednesday to misusing a Social Security number to fraudulently obtain a Maryland medical license, according to federal prosecutors. He went on to practice obstetrics and gynecology and obtained medical privileges at a hospital in Prince George’s County.

Oluwafemi Charles Igberase, also known as Charles John Nosa Akoda, 54, of Bowie, pleaded guilty to obtaining fake Social Security numbers under other names and fake IDs. Between 1992 and 1998, Igberase obtained three certifications from the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates under different names, dates of birth and fraudulent Social Security numbers, in order to practice medicine and get into a residency program in the United States.

Medical authorities subsequently revoked or suspended two certifications in December 1995, after learning that they were fraudulently obtained. In 1998, after receiving his third ECFMG certification in the name Charles John Nosa Akoda, Igberase was admitted to a residency program in New Jersey. Igberase was dismissed from the program two years later after officials learned that the Social Security number he used did not belong to him.

In 2011, Igberase also used the third Social Security number to apply for federal education loans for his children. That same year, using a fourth fake Social Security number that belonged to someone else, and other fraudulent documents in the name Charles John Nosa Akoda, Igbergase obtained a medical license in Maryland, after completing a U.S. residency program.

A search warrant executed at Igberase’s residence recovered a false Social Security card in the Akoda name, a false Nigerian passport for Akoda, a false U.S. visa in the Akoda name, and fraudulent or altered documents related to immigration, medical diplomas, medical transcripts, letters of recommendation and birth certificates, prosecutors say.

Igberase and the government have agreed that if the court accepts the plea agreement, Igberase will be sentenced to six months in prison, followed by six months of home detention as part of three years of supervised release. His sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 27.