The Cross River State Police Command has arrested a 39-year-old man for allegedly impersonating a medical doctor and defrauding a woman of ₦500,000 under the false promise of securing employment for her children at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH).
According to the police, the suspect, Udeme Emmanuel Ekpeme, was arrested by operatives attached to the Uwanse Division in Calabar South following a formal complaint lodged by Edemawan Samuel.
Police spokesperson, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, said the suspect allegedly deceived the complainant into believing he could facilitate employment opportunities for her children at the teaching hospital.
The police 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 Edemawan Samuel, aged 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.”
Commissioner of Police Rashid Afegbua has directed a comprehensive investigation to determine the full scope of the alleged fraud and establish whether additional victims or accomplices were involved.
Eitokpah said the suspect would be prosecuted if the investigation established sufficient evidence.
“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.
