Police Arrest Fake Doctor for Unauthorized Surgery

Otu Bassey, a 33-year-old man, was arrested by the Cross River State Police Command for allegedly posing as a doctor and conducting an unauthorized hernia surgery on a 60-year-old man named Ukpan in Ekori, Yakurr Local Government Area. The surgery took place on September 8, 2026, at a private clinic, and Ukpan was discharged the same day.

However, on September 11, 2026, at approximately 4 pm, Ukpan's condition deteriorated, prompting Bassey to take him to Ugep General Hospital. Following this, family members of the patient grew suspicious of Bassey's qualifications and attempted to confront him at the hospital around 9 pm.

Police intervened to prevent a mob action and placed Bassey in protective custody. Preliminary questioning revealed that Bassey claimed to be a theatre assistant who performed the surgery in the absence of his principal.

The police are currently investigating his professional status and the circumstances surrounding the surgery, while medical personnel are assessing the cause of Ukpan's complications.