The Cross River State Police Command has arrested a 39-year-old man, Udeme Emmanuel Ekpeme, for allegedly impersonating a medical doctor and swindling a woman out of ₦500,000 after promising to secure employment for her children at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH).
The arrest was confirmed by the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, in a statement made available to journalists on Tuesday in Calabar.
According to the police, the suspect was apprehended by officers attached to the Uwanse Police Division in Calabar South Local Government Area following a formal complaint lodged by Mrs. Edemawan Samuel.
Investigators said the complainant accused Ekpeme of falsely presenting himself as a qualified medical doctor before convincing her that he could facilitate employment opportunities for her children at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital.
Believing the promise to be genuine, she reportedly paid the suspect the sum of ₦500,000.
Eitokpah explained that preliminary investigations supported the complainant’s allegations, indicating that the suspect allegedly used the false identity to deceive her into releasing the money.
He added that detectives recovered several exhibits believed to be connected to the alleged offences during the course of the investigation.
The police spokesperson said the suspect remains in custody while investigators continue to examine the case.
“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 statement read.
Eitokpah disclosed that the Commissioner of Police in Cross River State, Rashid Afegbua, has directed investigators to carry out a comprehensive investigation into the suspect’s activities.
According to him, the investigation is expected to determine whether Ekpeme defrauded other unsuspecting members of the public or worked in collaboration with other individuals.
He assured residents that the command would pursue the matter to its logical conclusion and prosecute the suspect 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.
The incident adds to recent cases involving individuals allegedly posing as medical professionals to commit criminal offences across Nigeria.
On July 4, operatives of the Edo State Police Command arrested a 46-year-old man, Osaze Okungbowa, over allegations of impersonating a medical doctor, delivering babies and trafficking newborn infants.
Police launched investigations into that case after a woman, Princess Oke, reported that the baby she delivered under the suspect’s care had mysteriously disappeared, leading to his eventual arrest.
