A 39-year-old man, Udeme Emmanuel Ekpeme, has been arrested by the Cross River State Police Command for allegedly impersonating a medical doctor and defrauding a woman of ₦500,000 with a promise to secure jobs for her children.
The suspect was arrested by officers attached to the Uwanse Police Division in Calabar South Local Government Area after a petition was filed by Mrs. Edemawan Samuel, 45.
According to the police, the complainant alleged that Ekpeme presented himself as a medical doctor and collected ₦500,000 from her, claiming he could facilitate the employment of her children at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH).
Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect allegedly used the fake identity to gain the woman’s confidence before collecting the money.
Police also confirmed that exhibits connected to the case have been recovered, while the suspect remains in custody as investigations continue.
Confirming the arrest, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, said the Commissioner of Police had ordered a comprehensive investigation into the matter.
“The Commissioner of Police has directed that this case be thoroughly investigated to establish the true circumstances surrounding it and to determine whether there are other victims.
“The suspect will be charged to court as soon as sufficient evidence is established,” Eitokpah said.
He explained that detectives have expanded the investigation to determine the full extent of the suspect’s activities.
“We are conducting a discreet investigation to uncover the extent of his dealings and identify any other victims or accomplices,” he said.
The police spokesperson also assured residents that the command would continue to provide updates as the investigation progresses.