A 39-year-old man arrested for allegedly posing as a medical doctor in Cross River State has confessed to treating at least 15 patients over a 12-year period despite lacking a licence to practise medicine.
The suspect, identified as Udeme Emmanuel Ekpeme, was apprehended by operatives of the Uwanse Police Division in Calabar South Local Government Area following a petition accusing him of impersonation, fraud and operating an illegal mobile medical facility.
According to the Cross River State Police Command, investigations revealed that Ekpeme allegedly collected N500,000 from a resident, Mrs. Edemawan Samuel, after promising to secure employment for her children at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH).
During interrogation, the suspect admitted that he did not complete his medical education but acquired medical equipment, which he used to examine and treat patients while hoping to raise funds to return to school.
Ekpeme reportedly told investigators that between 2014 and 2026, he attended to no fewer than 15 patients, with many of them referred by previous clients.
He also admitted receiving the N500,000 from the complainant but confessed that he used the money to settle an outstanding debt instead of facilitating the promised employment.
The complainant told police that she became suspicious after the suspect requested an additional N40,000, claiming it was needed to complete banking procedures related to the recruitment process.
She said she sought advice from her brother, who warned that the arrangement appeared fraudulent, prompting her to report the matter to the police.
Mrs. Samuel further alleged that the suspect administered injections to her and her two children while presenting himself as a qualified medical practitioner.
Confirming the arrest, the spokesperson for the Cross River State Police Command, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, said preliminary investigations showed that the suspect falsely represented himself as a medical doctor and obtained money from the complainant under false pretences.
Akata disclosed that exhibits linked to the case had been recovered and that the suspect remains in police custody pending the conclusion of investigations and possible prosecution.
The police advised members of the public to always verify the credentials of healthcare providers before seeking medical treatment, warning that patronising unqualified practitioners poses serious risks to lives.
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