Fake doctor confesses treating 15 patients before arrest

A 39-year-old man arrested for allegedly posing as a medical doctor in Cross River State has admitted treating at least 15 patients despite not being a licensed medical practitioner.

The suspect, Udeme Emmanuel Ekpeme, was arrested by operatives of the Uwanse Police Division in Calabar South Local Government Area following allegations of impersonation, obtaining money by false pretence and operating an illegal mobile clinic.

Police said Ekpeme allegedly collected N500,000 from a woman, Mrs Edemawan Samuel, after promising to secure employment for her children at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH).

During interrogation, the suspect confessed that he dropped out of medical school but acquired medical equipment to diagnose and treat patients while hoping to raise enough money to complete his education.

He claimed that between 2014 and 2026, he treated at least 15 patients, saying many of them were referred by others who believed his treatments were effective.

Ekpeme also admitted diverting the N500,000 collected from the complainant to settle an outstanding debt of N700,000 instead of using it for the promised jobs.

According to him, creditors had been mounting pressure on him and had even seized his mobile phone, prompting him to use the money to clear part of the debt.

The complainant said she became suspicious after the suspect requested an additional N40,000, claiming it was needed to process banking transactions related to the employment.

She said she contacted her brother, who advised her that the suspect was a fraudster, prompting her to report the matter to the police.

She further alleged that the suspect administered injections to her and her two children while presenting himself as a qualified medical doctor.

Confirming the arrest, the Cross River State Police Command said preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect falsely represented himself as a medical doctor and unlawfully obtained N500,000 from the complainant under the pretext of securing jobs for her children at UCTH.

The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, said exhibits connected to the alleged offences had been recovered and that the suspect remained in police custody pending further investigation.

He also urged members of the public to verify the credentials of medical practitioners before seeking treatment and warned against patronising unlicensed healthcare providers.