The Cross River State Police Command has arrested a 39-year-old man, Udeme Emmanuel Ekpeme, for allegedly impersonating a medical doctor and defrauding a woman of N500,000 with a fake job offer at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital.
Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, confirmed the arrest in a statement issued to journalists in Calabar on Tuesday.
According to the statement, Ekpeme was picked up by operatives of the Uwanse Division, Calabar South LGA, following a petition by Mrs. Edemawan Samuel, 45.
The complainant alleged that the suspect presented himself as a medical doctor and collected N500,000 from her after promising to secure employment for her children at UCTH.
Eitokpah said preliminary investigations showed that the suspect used the false identity to deceive the woman into parting with the money.
“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 statement read.
“Relevant exhibits believed to be connected to the case were recovered during the investigation, and the suspect is currently in police custody.”
The Commissioner of Police, Rashid Afegbua, has ordered a discreet and thorough investigation to determine the full extent of the suspect’s activities and to identify other possible victims or accomplices.
Eitokpah added that Ekpeme would be arraigned in court once investigations are concluded and sufficient evidence is established.
“The Command assures members of the public that further updates will be provided as investigations progress,” he said.