Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Cross River State Police Command has arrested a 39-year-old man, Udeme Emmanuel Ekpeme, for allegedly posing as a medical doctor, operating an illegal mobile clinic and defrauding members of the public by promising to secure employment at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH).
The suspect was apprehended by operatives of the Uwanse Police Division in Calabar South following a petition alleging that he collected ₦500,000 from a resident after promising to secure employment for her children at UCTH.
According to the police, preliminary investigations revealed that Ekpeme allegedly presented himself as a qualified medical doctor and used the false identity to gain the confidence of unsuspecting victims before collecting money under the pretext of facilitating employment opportunities at the federal teaching hospital.
During the operation, officers recovered several medical items and equipment believed to have been used in running an unauthorised mobile clinic. Investigators are now working to determine the scope of the suspect's activities and whether he provided medical services without the necessary qualifications or licences.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, confirmed the arrest and said the Commissioner of Police had ordered a comprehensive investigation into the matter. He explained that detectives are trying to establish whether other individuals may have been defrauded or if the suspect acted with the assistance of other people.
Police said the suspect remains in custody while investigations continue and will be charged to court after the conclusion of the inquiry.
The command urged members of the public to be cautious of individuals who claim they can secure jobs in government institutions in exchange for money. It stressed that recruitment into public establishments, including teaching hospitals, follows official procedures and should not involve unofficial payments to intermediaries or agents.
The police also advised job seekers to verify employment opportunities through official government channels and report anyone demanding money in return for job placements.
The arrest comes as security agencies intensify efforts to combat employment scams, impersonation and medical quackery across Cross River State. Authorities have continued to clamp down on individuals operating illegal healthcare facilities and those accused of misleading members of the public through fraudulent schemes.
The police reaffirmed their commitment to protecting residents from fraud and other criminal activities, assuring the public that anyone found engaging in impersonation, illegal medical practice or employment-related scams would face prosecution in accordance with the law.
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