Police Arrest Fake Doctor Over N500,000 Job Scam In Cross River

Police in Cross River have arrested a 39-year-old man accused of posing as a doctor and collecting N500,000 from a woman after promising to get jobs for her children at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital.

The suspect, Udeme Emmanuel Ekpeme, was arrested by officers attached to the Uwanse Division in Calabar South Local Government Area after a petition by Mrs Edemawan Samuel.

Police spokesperson Sunday Eitokpah said preliminary findings showed that Ekpeme allegedly presented himself as a medical doctor and used the claim to obtain the money from the complainant.

Daily Post reported that investigators recovered exhibits believed to be linked to the alleged offences. The police said Ekpeme remains in custody while detectives try to establish the full scope of the case and whether there are other victims or accomplices.

Commissioner of Police Rashid Afegbua has ordered a detailed investigation. The command said the suspect would be charged to court if enough evidence is established at the end of the investigation.

The case adds to wider concern about job scams that target families looking for public-sector or health-sector employment. In this case, the police say the alleged fraud centred on promised placements at UCTH, not an official recruitment exercise.

Sources: Punch, Daily Post