The Cross River State Police Command has arrested a 39-year-old man, Udeme Emmanuel Ekpeme, for allegedly posing as a medical doctor and defrauding a woman of N500,000 under the guise of securing employment for her children at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital.
The command’s spokesperson, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, disclosed this in a statement issued to journalists on Tuesday in Calabar.
According to the statement, the suspect was apprehended by officers attached to the Uwanse Division in Calabar South Local Government Area following a petition by Mrs Edemawan Samuel.
The complainant alleged that Ekpeme falsely introduced himself as a medical doctor and convinced her to part with N500,000 after promising to facilitate employment for her children at UCTH.
Eitokpah said preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect allegedly used the false representation to deceive the woman into paying the money.
He added that detectives recovered exhibits believed to be linked to the alleged offences, while the suspect remains in police custody.
The statement read, “The Cross River State Police Command has arrested one Udeme Emmanuel Ekpeme, male, aged 39, over allegations of impersonation, obtaining money by false pretence and the unlawful use of medical equipment.
“The suspect was arrested by police officers attached to Uwanse Division, Calabar South Local Government Area, following a complaint lodged by Mrs Edemawan Samuel, 45, who alleged that the suspect falsely presented himself as a medical doctor and fraudulently obtained the sum of Five Hundred Thousand Naira (₦500,000) from her under the false promise of securing employment for her children at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect allegedly used the false representation to deceive the complainant into parting with the money. Relevant exhibits believed to be connected to the case were recovered during the investigation, and the suspect is currently in police custody.”
The police spokesperson said the Commissioner of Police, Rashid Afegbua, has directed investigators to carry out a thorough probe to determine the full scope of the suspect’s activities and identify any other possible victims or accomplices.
He added that the suspect would be arraigned in court after investigations if sufficient evidence is established.
“The Command is actively conducting a discreet investigation into the matter to uncover the full extent of the suspect’s activities and identify any other possible victims or accomplices. Upon the conclusion of investigations, the suspect will be charged to court if sufficient evidence is established. Members of the public are assured that further updates will be provided as investigations progress,” the statement added.
Recall that on July 4, officers of the Edo State Police Command arrested a 46-year-old man, Osaze Okungbowa, for allegedly impersonating a medical doctor, delivering babies and trafficking newborns.
The suspect was arrested after a woman, Princess Oke, reported that the baby she delivered under his care had gone missing, prompting a police investigation.
