A Nigerian medical doctor has been sentenced to three years in a UK prison after defrauding the National Health Service (NHS) of more than £268,000.
Richard Akinrolabu, 61, a specialist registrar in obstetrics and gynaecology at the Princess Royal University Hospital, pleaded guilty to four counts of fraud by false representation. He was sentenced on November 4, 2025, at Woolwich Crown Court.
Investigations revealed that between 2018 and 2021, Akinrolabu secretly worked night and on-call shifts at three other NHS trusts while claiming he was unfit for similar duties at his primary hospital.
At different times, he took sick leave or requested reduced duties, forcing his employer to hire locum doctors to cover his shifts.
The fraud came to light in 2021 when King’s College Hospital received reports that Akinrolabu was working nights at Basildon Hospital.
Further checks linked him to additional shifts at Princess Alexandra Hospital, East Kent Hospitals University Foundation Trust, and Mid-South Essex NHS Foundation Trust.
Judge David Miller, while handing down the sentence, described the doctor’s actions as a breach of public trust. “The public does not expect medical professionals to lie for personal gain,” he said.
Ben Harrison, Head of Operations at the NHS Counter Fraud Authority, said the case highlighted a “clear abuse of trust” and that the stolen funds should have gone toward patient care.
Akinrolabu previously drew public attention in 2006 when he was cleared of allegations relating to an illegal abortion offer, though he admitted to an affair with the complainant.
The sentencing sends a strong signal to medical professionals about the consequences of exploiting the NHS system for personal gain.
'
'Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
