According to the statement, officers from the Uwanse Division in Calabar South Local Government Area arrested the suspect after receiving a petition from Mrs. Edemawan Samuel.
Mrs. Samuel alleged that Ekpeme falsely claimed to be a medical doctor and persuaded her to pay N500,000 by promising to secure employment for her children at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH).
Eitokpah stated that initial investigations indicated the suspect allegedly misrepresented himself in order to deceive the complainant into parting with the money.
He further disclosed that detectives recovered items believed to be connected to the alleged crimes, while the suspect is currently being held in police custody.
According to the statement, the Cross River State Police Command arrested 39-year-old Udeme Emmanuel Ekpeme over allegations of impersonation, obtaining money under false pretences, and the unlawful possession and use of medical equipment.
The statement said the suspect was apprehended by officers attached to the Uwanse Division in Calabar South Local Government Area after a complaint was filed by 45-year-old Mrs. Edemawan Samuel.
According to the complaint, Ekpeme allegedly posed as a medical doctor and fraudulently collected ₦500,000 from her after promising to secure jobs for her children at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH).
The police said preliminary findings suggest the suspect used the false claim to convince the complainant to release the money. Investigators also recovered items believed to be connected to the alleged offences, while the suspect remains in police custody as investigations continue.
The police spokesperson said the Commissioner of Police, Rashid Afegbua, has ordered a comprehensive investigation to establish the full extent of the suspect’s alleged activities and identify any other victims or accomplices connected to the case.
He noted that the suspect would be prosecuted upon the conclusion of the investigation if enough evidence is found to support the allegations.
The statement added that the Command is conducting a discreet investigation and assured members of the public that updates would be provided as the probe progresses.
It would be recalled that on July 4, operatives of the Edo State Police Command arrested 46-year-old Osaze Okungbowa over allegations of impersonating a medical doctor, conducting childbirth procedures, and engaging in the trafficking of newborn babies.
His arrest followed a complaint by a woman, Princess Oke, who alleged that the baby she gave birth to while under his care had disappeared, leading to a police investigation.
