A UK-based Nigerian doctor, Richard Akinrolabu, has been sentenced to three years’ imprisonment at Woolwich Crown Court after defrauding the NHS of over £268,000 by working shifts while on sick leave.
Akinrolabu had pleaded guilty to four counts of Fraud by False Representation at the same court on 3 September 2025.
He was employed as a trust grade specialist registrar in obstetrics and gynaecology at Princess Royal University Hospital (PRUH) in London, part of King’s College Hospitals (KCH) NHS Foundation Trust. (Trust grade specialist registrars are a type of resident doctor, formerly known as junior doctors.)
Between October 2018 and December 2021, Akinrolabu carried out on-call and night shifts at three other NHS trusts, despite informing his primary employer that he was unfit to work.
During this period, KCH continued paying his full salary and had to hire locum doctors to cover the shifts he secretly worked elsewhere.
In November 2021, KCH learned that Akinrolabu had been working night shifts at Basildon Hospital. Investigations revealed he had also worked at Princess Alexandra Hospital, East Kent Hospitals University Foundation Trust, and Mid-South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, all while on sick leave or reduced duties from KCH.
Evidence showed he had neither sought nor received permission for secondary employment. Timesheets and payroll records confirmed most shifts were on-call or at night, contradicting his claims of being unfit to work.
During a June 2022 interview under caution, Akinrolabu declined to answer questions. Following further investigation by the NHS Counter Fraud Authority (NHSCFA), he was charged with four counts of Fraud by False Representation.
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.”
NHS Statement, Ben Harrison, Head of Operations at the NHS Counter Fraud Authority, commented,
“This case demonstrates a clear and deliberate abuse of trust by an NHS professional who knowingly breached the conditions of his employment for personal gain.
“By working additional on-call and night shifts, despite being unfit to do so, Akinrolabu defrauded the NHS of substantial funds that should have supported patient care. The NHS Counter Fraud Authority will continue to ensure that those who seek to exploit the health service for their own benefit are identified and brought to justice.”
