A Chester Magistrates’ Court has sentenced Lucius Njoku, a Nigerian migrant, to 16 weeks in prison for impersonating his female friend, Joyce George, to work as a healthcare assistant at the Countess of Chester Hospital in Cheshire, United Kingdom.
Between February and April 2024, Njoku worked under George’s identity, attending to seriously ill patients in the hospital’s accident and emergency (A&E) unit — washing, dressing, and observing them. George, a fellow Nigerian living in Ellesmere Port, had originally secured the nursing job through an agency.
In October, the court heard that police discovered text messages between the pair discussing work shifts after raiding George’s home.
According to prosecutor Lisa McGuire, George “permitted Njoku to do her shifts under her name.”
“Fortunately, no harm was done and there were no complaints about Njoku’s work. But it is the access which is the serious concern,” McGuire said.
George has reportedly fled to Nigeria after being charged with fraud, prompting authorities to issue a warrant for her arrest.
Njoku, who came to the UK as a student and is a qualified nurse, had no prior convictions, his solicitor Steven Alis told the court. Alis admitted that “safeguarding checks had not come through” during the period Njoku worked at the hospital, describing it as “surprising” that hospital management had not detected the impersonation sooner.
The court heard that Njoku agreed to the arrangement because of financial difficulties. His deception was uncovered when a patient confronted him about his identity after noticing inconsistencies.
“My name is Joyce but I am a man,” Njoku reportedly said when challenged.
He later pleaded guilty to fraud by false representation.
Delivering judgment on Thursday, District Judge John McGarva sentenced Njoku to 16 weeks in prison, a 12-month suspension, and 80 hours of unpaid community service. He was also ordered to pay £239 in costs and surcharge.
Njoku, 33, is currently a dependent on his wife’s work visa. His wife, also a healthcare worker, had initially moved to the UK under his original visa. It remains unclear whether he will face deportation.
His solicitor added that Njoku is now fully qualified to work in the care sector, though he currently works for Vauxhalls, a British automotive company.