Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Bornet .k
The Cross River State Police Command has arrested a 39-year-old man, Udeme Ekpeme, for allegedly impersonating a medical doctor and defrauding a woman of ₦500,000 with a false promise of securing employment for her children at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH).
The suspect was arrested on Wednesday, 22 July 2026, by officers attached to the Uwanse Police Division in Calabar South Local Government Area, Cross River State, following a complaint filed by Mrs Edemawan Samuel, 45. According to police, the complainant alleged that Ekpeme falsely presented himself as a medical doctor and convinced her to pay ₦500,000 after promising to facilitate employment opportunities for her children at the teaching hospital.
The spokesperson for the Cross River State Police Command, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, said preliminary investigations indicated that the suspect deliberately used the false identity to deceive the victim into parting with the money. Police said the alleged employment offer was fraudulent and that there was no evidence linking the suspect to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital.
During the investigation, officers recovered exhibits believed to be connected to the alleged fraud. The suspect is currently being held in police custody while detectives continue efforts to determine whether other individuals may have fallen victim to the same scheme or whether additional accomplices were involved.
The Commissioner of Police, AIG Rashid Afegbua, has directed a comprehensive investigation into the case. According to the police, investigators have been instructed to uncover the full extent of the suspect's activities, identify any additional victims and establish whether the alleged impersonation formed part of a wider criminal operation.
Police authorities said that once investigations are concluded and sufficient evidence is established, the suspect will be charged before a competent court. They also assured members of the public that updates would be provided as the investigation progresses.
The incident has renewed concerns over the increasing number of employment-related scams in Nigeria, where fraudsters exploit high unemployment by promising jobs in government institutions and public agencies in exchange for money. Security agencies have repeatedly advised Nigerians to verify recruitment processes through official channels and avoid making payments to individuals claiming they can secure public sector employment.
The Cross River State Police Command urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspected cases of impersonation, fraud or other criminal activities to law enforcement authorities to help prevent similar incidents.
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