Fake doctor arrested in Calabar confesses to treating 15 patients

Udeme Emmanuel Ekpeme, a 39-year-old medical school dropout, has been arrested in Cross River State for allegedly impersonating a doctor and confessed to treating at least 15 patients since 2014, as well as defrauding a woman of N500,000 with a fake job promise.

A 39-year-old man arrested for allegedly posing as a medical doctor in Cross River State has confessed to treating at least 15 patients over the years after dropping out of medical school.

Daily Trust reports that the suspect, Udeme Emmanuel Ekpeme, was arrested by operatives of the Uwanse Police Division in Calabar South LGA following a complaint by Mrs Edemawan Samuel, who accused him of impersonation, obtaining money by false pretence and operating an illegal mobile clinic.

Police alleged that Ekpeme fraudulently obtained N500,000 from the woman after promising to secure employment for her children at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH).

In his confession, the suspect said he dropped out of medical school but bought medical equipment with the hope of raising enough money to return and complete his studies.

“If I can raise money to return to medical school, I will. So I bought medical equipment for testing so that whenever patients come, I can use them to diagnose them. Often, when one patient sees that my treatment is effective, the person recommends another,” he said.

He claimed that between 2014 and 2026, he treated at least 15 patients despite not being a licensed medical practitioner.

The suspect also admitted collecting the N500,000 from the complainant over the promised UCTH jobs but said he diverted the money to settle a N700,000 debt, telling police his creditors had seized his Android phone over the unpaid sum.

The complainant said she became suspicious when the suspect demanded an additional N40,000 for banking transactions related to the supposed employment, prompting her to consult her brother and report the matter to police. She further alleged the suspect had administered several injections on her and her two children while posing as a qualified doctor.

Confirming the arrest, the Cross River State Police Command said preliminary investigations supported the allegations. Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, said exhibits had been recovered and the suspect remained in custody, cautioning the public against patronising unlicensed medical practitioners.