Uyo:: The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested a suspected quack doctor, Sunday Okon Akpan, following the death of a 35-year-old woman during a failed abortion procedure at his clinic in Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area.
Akpan, who operated Full Life Medical Centre in Ikot Obio Odong, was discovered to be a community health practitioner without a medical licence or nursing qualification. According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, the suspect was apprehended on Tuesday, August 19, after the victim, identified as Blessing Sunday Etim, died during the illegal procedure.
DSP John disclosed that the deceased’s mother raised an alarm after learning of her daughter’s sudden death. Investigations revealed that Akpan attempted to secretly move the victim’s corpse into her apartment to conceal the crime. When confronted, he abandoned the body and fled the scene, she said.
Police operatives who arrived at the clinic reportedly observed that a premature fetus was emerging from the victim’s body, confirming suspicions of a botched abortion.
Further findings indicated that Akpan had been running the facility under false pretenses, offering unlicensed medical services and performing unsafe abortions. The clinic has since been deserted.
The suspect, who hails from Afaha Offiong in Nsit Ibom LGA, is not a licensed doctor or nurse. He exploited the facility to conduct illegal procedures, endangering lives, DSP John stated.
She added that the victim’s body has been deposited in a morgue for autopsy while investigations continue.
The Commissioner of Police has directed a thorough probe to ensure justice for the deceased. Updates will be provided in due course, the spokesperson concluded.
