Posted on: Wed 22-07-2026

A man accused of posing as a medical doctor has been arrested in Calabar after allegedly collecting 500,000 from a woman under the promise of securing employment opportunities for members of the woman's family at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH).

The suspect, identified as 39-year-old Udeme Emmanuel Ekpeme, was apprehended by operatives of the Cross River State Police Command following a petition submitted by a resident who claimed she had been deceived by the suspect. Investigators say the suspect allegedly presented himself as a qualified medical doctor and used that assumed identity to gain the confidence of the complainant.

According to information released by the police, the suspect allegedly convinced the victim that he possessed the influence and connections needed to facilitate employment at UCTH. Believing the promise to be genuine, the woman reportedly paid 500,000 in anticipation of securing jobs for her children. Authorities say the promised employment opportunities never materialized, leading the victim to report the matter to law enforcement agencies.

The case highlights a disturbing trend in which fraudsters exploit the high demand for employment opportunities within the healthcare sector. Across the country, hospitals, teaching hospitals, and government health institutions remain highly sought-after places of employment, making job seekers vulnerable to individuals claiming to have insider access or special influence over recruitment processes.

Police investigations suggest that the suspect may have relied on his purported medical status to establish credibility and convince the victim that the employment offer was genuine. Investigators recovered exhibits connected to the case and have continued gathering evidence to determine the full extent of the alleged activities.

Speaking on the matter, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Cross River State Command stated that the Commissioner of Police has ordered a comprehensive investigation. The command is reportedly examining whether additional individuals may have fallen victim to similar schemes linked to the suspect. Authorities have emphasized that no conclusions will be drawn until investigations are completed and all relevant facts are established.

The arrest serves as a reminder to healthcare professionals, students, and job seekers to exercise caution when approached with unofficial recruitment offers. Most reputable healthcare institutions, including teaching hospitals and government-owned facilities, utilize established recruitment procedures that typically involve public advertisements, formal application channels, examinations, interviews, and official documentation.

Experts have repeatedly warned that requests for monetary payments in exchange for guaranteed employment should be treated as a major red flag. Job seekers are encouraged to verify recruitment announcements through official institutional channels and authorized communication platforms rather than relying on intermediaries who claim to possess special influence.

The healthcare sector remains a frequent target for employment-related fraud because of the prestige and perceived stability associated with medical and health service careers. Fraudsters often exploit the hopes of unemployed graduates and parents seeking opportunities for their children. In many cases, victims only discover the deception after months of waiting for appointment letters or placement notifications that never arrive.

For medical institutions, incidents such as this can also damage public confidence and create confusion around legitimate recruitment exercises. Industry observers note that healthcare organizations must continue educating the public on approved hiring procedures while strengthening communication with prospective applicants.

As investigations continue, police have assured residents that further updates will be provided as new information emerges. The suspect remains in custody, and authorities say court proceedings will follow once sufficient evidence has been compiled and the investigation is concluded.

The incident serves as yet another cautionary tale for anyone seeking employment in Nigeria's healthcare sector: when a job offer sounds too easy, demands upfront payment, or comes through unofficial channels, extra vigilance may be the best protection against becoming the next victim of a costly scam

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