Committee: Discipline
Decision Date: 17 Feb 2021
Summary:
On November 20, 2019, allegations of Dr. Okafor’s professional misconduct were referred to the Discipline Committee of the College. It was alleged that Dr. Okafor engaged in sexual abuse of Patient A, and in disgraceful, dishonourable or unprofessional conduct with respect to Patient A and Patient B.
The Discipline Committee held a hearing on October 26 to 28 and October 30, 2020 by way of videoconference in the presence of Dr. Okafor, his counsel and counsel for the College.
In its decision released on February 17, 2021, the Committee found that Dr. Okafor engaged in sexual abuse of Patient A, and that he engaged in an act or omission relevant to the practice of medicine that, having regard to all the circumstances, would reasonably be regarded by members as disgraceful, dishonourable or unprofessional, with respect to Patient A and Patient B. Further, the Committee found that Dr. Okafor’s lack of cooperation with the College’s investigation also constituted disgraceful, dishonourable and unprofessional conduct.
Given the Committee’s findings, the Committee made an interim order for immediate suspension of Dr. Okafor’s certificate of registration, until such time as the Committee makes an order under subsection 51(5) or (5.2) of the Code.
On April 30, 2021, the Committee heard submissions from both parties on penalty and costs, and released its order. The Committee ordered and directed:
- Dr. Okafor to appear before the panel to be reprimanded.
- The Registrar to revoke Dr. Okafor’s certificate of registration effective immediately.
- The Registrar to place the following terms, conditions and limitations on Dr. Okafor’s certificate of registration effective immediately:
(i) Dr. Okafor shall comply with the College Policy, “Closing a Medical Practice.”
- Dr. Okafor to reimburse the College for funding provided to patients under the program required under section 85.7 of the Code, by posting an irrevocable letter of credit or other security acceptable to the College, within thirty (30) days of this order in the amount of $17,370.
- Dr. Okafor to pay costs to the College in the amount of $51,850 within 30 days of the date of this Order.
The Committee’s reasons for decision on penalty were released on May 20, 2021 and are available for review on the College’s website.
Appeal
On March 29, 2021, the College received Dr. Okafor’s Notice of Appeal dated March 25, 2021, setting out Dr. Okafor’s intention to appeal the Discipline Committee’s February 17, 2021 decision on finding to the Divisional Court.
On December 14, 2023, the Divisional Court dismissed Dr. Okafor’s appeal for reasons provided in Okafor v. College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, 2023 ONSC 6332.
On December 29, 2023, Dr. Okafor filed a Notice of Motion with the Court of Appeal for Ontario for leave to appeal the Divisional Court’s decision dated December 14, 2023.
Decision: Download Full Decision (PDF)
Appeal: Appeal to Ontario Divisional Court
Hearing Date(s): Merits: 2020-10-26 to 28, 30; Penalty: 2021-04-30