The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan believes Dr. Imafidon Thomas Izekor is not in Canada.
A hearing has been scheduled for a Regina doctor who faces seven charges of professional misconduct, including allegations that he sexually assaulted two employees and engaged in “sexual impropriety” with three patients, one of whom was a minor.
These are not criminal charges, and have not been proven.
Izekor hasn’t admitted to the charges, according to CPSS Associate Registrar Bryan Salte. As such, he said a hearing has been scheduled by the professional oversight body to determine if Izekor is guilty of the unprofessional conduct alleged.
That hearing is set to begin Sept. 9, and is scheduled through to Sept. 27.
However, some questions remain about the process.
For years, the CPSS has held the belief that Izekor is not in the country.
Salte confirmed that was still the belief as of Monday, but added: “CPSS does not have independent confirmation of that.”
Salte indicated that Izekor is represented by a lawyer, with whom CPSS had communication.
In response to a question about whether Izekor will need to attend the hearing in person, Salte wrote it will depend on the decision of a panel that’s to decide how the hearing proceeds.
“If the hearing will occur with Dr. Izekor participating virtually, it will not matter his location,” Salte wrote when asked whether Izekor could participate from a location outside the country.
What if the doctor doesn’t show up at all, in any capacity?
“As there is no admission, a finding of unprofessional conduct can only be made after a hearing with evidence led. Failure to appear does not result in an admission of unprofessional conduct.”
While Izekor is still listed on the CPSS website as being “on the register,” his licence status is currently listed as “inactive.”
The allegations of sexual assault are not dated, but the alleged victims are both said to have been female employees who worked at a medical clinic Izekor “formerly owned and practiced in.”
CPSS documents allege Izekor invited one employee to his home where he “touched her sexually and despite her protests engaged in sexual intercourse with her.”
“Afterwards, you gave her money and said something similar to, ‘You helped me and I will help you,’ ” said documents outlining the charges.
Regarding the second allegation of sexual assault, the college’s documents state evidence will be led to show Izekor made sexual advances toward the employee and threatened her should she not comply.
Specifics of the threat are not given.
“You took her to a bedroom and sexually assaulted her despite her protests and requests that you stop,” the documents read.
It’s alleged Izekor committed further sexual assaults on the employee, including in his office and in his basement.
Regarding the patient who was a minor, the documents allege the doctor made inappropriate comments to her, suggesting she should find someone older than her and saying something to the effect of, “guys have needs though.”
The documents note he then “made noises and movements to imitate sex.”
It’s alleged the doctor told the minor she should go for dinner with him, noting Izekor said he could pick her up “somewhere outside her home so she wouldn’t have to tell her mom.”
The documents make further allegations, not all of which are mentioned in this article, including that he arranged work for people not legally eligible for employment in Canada, paying them cash.
Further, it is alleged he “acted as a registered immigration sponsor for several staff members and then used that relationship to influence behaviour.”
When the professional charges were brought against the doctor, the Leader-Post attempted to contact him for comment through his lawyer and by telephone at the practice then listed on the college website.
No response was ever received.
Izekor earned his medical degree from the University of Lagos in Nigeria in 2009.
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