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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Crime & Justice

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

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Under investigation
  • Police in Cross River State arrested a 39-year-old man for allegedly impersonating a doctor.
  • The suspect defrauded a woman of N500,000 by promising employment for her children at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital.
  • The police are conducting a thorough investigation to identify other potential victims or accomplices.

Authorities in Cross River State have apprehended a 39-year-old man, identified as Udeme Emmanuel Ekpeme, on charges of impersonating a medical doctor and defrauding a woman of N500,000. The suspect allegedly promised to secure employment for the woman's children at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH).

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.

— ASP Sunday EitokpahDisclosing details of the arrest in a statement to journalists.

The Cross River State Police Command spokesperson, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, confirmed the arrest, stating that officers from the Uwanse Division in Calabar South Local Government Area apprehended Ekpeme following a petition from the complainant, Mrs. Edemawan Samuel. Preliminary investigations indicate that Ekpeme falsely presented himself as a medical doctor to deceive Mrs. Samuel into parting with the substantial sum.

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.

— ASP Sunday EitokpahDetailing the circumstances of the arrest and the alleged fraud.

During the investigation, detectives recovered exhibits believed to be connected to the alleged offenses. The suspect is currently in police custody. The Commissioner of Police, Rashid Afegbua, has ordered a comprehensive probe into the matter to ascertain the full extent of Ekpeme's activities and to identify any other individuals who may have fallen victim to his scheme or acted as accomplices.

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.

— ASP Sunday EitokpahProviding an update on the initial findings and evidence.

Police assurance was given that the investigation will be thorough, and the suspect will face charges in court if sufficient evidence is established. The public is being informed that further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.

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.

— ASP Sunday EitokpahOutlining the next steps in the investigation and assuring the public of transparency.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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