By Frank Ulom
The Cross River State Police Command has arrested a 39-year-old man, Udeme Emmanuel Ekpeme, over allegations of impersonation, operating an illegal mobile clinic, obtaining money by false pretence, and the unlawful use of medical equipment.
Udeme confessed he got involved in the act to raise money to return to the medical school.
The suspect, who was paraded at the State Police Command on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, alleged that he falsely presented himself as a medical doctor and fraudulently collected ₦500,000 from his victim after promising to secure employment for her children at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), according to a police statement.
According to Udeme, who dropped out of medical school, he did what he did, “…if I can raise up some money to go back to medical school again.”
Adding, “I bought the equipment. Whenever a patient calls me, when I give a treatment to one person, if it is good, they will recommend me to another person.”
He said he has treated about 15 people. “I am not certain, but I have treated 15 people from 2024 to date; immediately, I was dropped from school.”
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, the suspect was apprehended by officers attached to the Uwanse Division in Calabar South following a complaint filed by Mrs Edemawan Samuel, 45.
The Command disclosed that preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect allegedly used the false claim of being a medical practitioner to deceive the complainant into parting with the money.
Explaining how he defrauded the victim, Udeme said, “When I was a medical student, one man, my lecturer (name withheld), a contract medical doctor, told me he has a slot, and that if I see somebody I can bring, then he can give me small thing.
“Unfortunately, when I got this money, he had travelled for sabbatical leave, so he told me that I can actually return the money, but since there was someone that I owed N700,000, and there was a time the people molested me – they even collected my Android phone.
“So, as I collected this money, I said let me carry the money to go and give so that they’ll return my phone. Otherwise, I would have returned the money.”
ASP Eitokpah said Udeme further collected N40,000 from the victims.
Investigators also recovered exhibits believed to be connected to the alleged offences, while the suspect remains in police custody as investigations continue.
The Commissioner of Police, Cross River State Command, has directed that a comprehensive investigation be conducted to establish the full circumstances surrounding the case and determine whether other individuals may have fallen victim to the suspect’s alleged activities.
The police stated that the suspect would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations if sufficient evidence is established.
The Command further disclosed that it is carrying out a discreet investigation to uncover the full extent of the suspect’s operations, identify any possible accomplices, and determine whether additional victims exist.
It assured members of the public that updates would be provided as the investigation progresses.
Watch His Confession Below
