Fake Doctor Arrested in Cross River for Allegedly Collecting N500,000 Over UCTH Job Scam

Police in Cross River State have arrested a 39-year-old man, Udeme Emmanuel Ekpeme, for allegedly posing as a medical doctor and defrauding a woman of N500,000 with a promise to secure employment for her children at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH).

The arrest was carried out by officers of the Uwanse Division in Calabar South Local Government Area following a petition filed by Mrs Edemawan Samuel, who accused the suspect of falsely presenting himself as a medical practitioner.

According to the Cross River State Police Command, Ekpeme allegedly convinced the complainant that he had the influence to facilitate job placements for her children at UCTH. Believing the promise, she reportedly paid him N500,000.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, said preliminary investigations suggest the suspect used the false representation to obtain money under false pretences.

“The Cross River State Police Command has arrested one Udeme Emmanuel Ekpeme, aged 39, over allegations bordering on impersonation, obtaining money by false pretence and the unlawful use of medical equipment,” the statement read.

Police also disclosed that several exhibits believed to be linked to the alleged offences were recovered during the investigation, while the suspect remains in custody.

Commissioner of Police Rashid Afegbua has directed investigators to conduct a comprehensive probe to determine the full extent of the suspect’s activities, identify possible accomplices and establish whether there are additional victims.

The command said Ekpeme will be charged to court if investigations produce sufficient evidence. The latest arrest comes just weeks after police in Edo State arrested another suspect accused of impersonating a medical doctor, allegedly delivering babies and trafficking newborns.