Police arrest fake doctor over alleged N500,000 job scam in Cross River

Cross River State Police Command has arrested a 39-year-old man, Udeme Emmanuel Ekpeme, for allegedly impersonating a medical doctor and defrauding a woman of N500,000 with a promise to secure employment for her children at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital.

The command’s spokesperson, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, disclosed the arrest in a statement issued on Tuesday in Calabar.

According to the police, Ekpeme was apprehended by officers attached to the Uwanse Division in Calabar South Local Government Area following a petition submitted by Mrs Edemawan Samuel.

Samuel reportedly accused the suspect of presenting himself as a medical doctor and convincing her to pay N500,000 after assuring her that he could facilitate job placements for her children at UCTH.

Eitokpah said preliminary investigations indicated that the suspect allegedly used the false claim to obtain the money from the complainant.

He added that investigators recovered exhibits believed to be connected to the alleged offences, while the suspect remains in police custody.

“The Cross River State Police Command has arrested one Udeme Emmanuel Ekpeme, aged 39, over allegations bordering on impersonation, obtaining money by false pretence and the unlawful use of medical equipment,” the statement said.

The police spokesperson noted that Commissioner of Police Rashid Afegbua has ordered a thorough investigation to determine the extent of the suspect’s activities and identify any possible accomplices or additional victims.

According to him, the suspect will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations if sufficient evidence is established.

“The Command is conducting a discreet investigation to uncover the full extent of the suspect’s activities and identify any other victims or accomplices. Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses,” Eitokpah stated.

The development comes weeks after the Edo State Police Command arrested a 46 year old man, Osaze Okungbowa, for allegedly posing as a medical doctor, delivering babies and trafficking newborns.

Okungbowa was reportedly arrested after a woman, Princess Oke, informed police that a baby she delivered under his care had gone missing, prompting an investigation.