A Nigerian doctor, Richard Akinrolabu, has been sentenced to three years in prison in the United Kingdom for defrauding the National Health Service (NHS) of £268,000 through false representation.

According to the NHS Counter Fraud Authority (NHSCFA), Akinrolabu, a trust-grade specialist registrar in obstetrics and gynaecology at the Princess Royal University Hospital, misrepresented his availability for work between 2018 and 2021.

While claiming he was unfit for night shifts and on-call duties due to illness, he simultaneously took up shifts at other NHS hospitals. This forced King’s College Hospital (KCH) to hire locum doctors to cover the shifts he falsely claimed he could not undertake.

“Between October 2018 and December 2021, Akinrolabu worked on-call and night shifts at three additional NHS trusts while on sick leave or reduced duties from King’s College Hospital. His deception forced KCH to hire locum doctors to cover the shifts he claimed he could not undertake,” the NHSCFA stated.

Investigations began in November 2021 when KCH received information that Akinrolabu was working night shifts at Basildon Hospital. An independent NHSCFA inquiry confirmed he had taken multiple on-call shifts without permission. He declined to comment when invited for an interview in 2022.

Akinrolabu, 61, from Orpington, Kent, pleaded guilty to four counts of fraud by false representation at Woolwich Crown Court on September 3, 2025, and was sentenced on November 4, 2025. During sentencing, His Honour Judge David Miller said:

“You lied to occupational health, your colleagues, and your employer. The public doesn’t expect doctors to lie for personal gain.”

Ben Harrison, NHSCFA Head of Operations, added:

“This case highlights a deliberate abuse of trust by a healthcare professional. By misrepresenting his availability and working additional shifts, Akinrolabu defrauded the NHS of significant funds intended for patient care. The NHSCFA remains committed to identifying and prosecuting those who exploit the health service.”

The case serves as a warning to healthcare professionals about the serious consequences of fraudulent practices within the NHS.