The Cross River State Police Command has detained a theatre assistant over an alleged unauthorised hernia surgery performed on a 60-year-old man at a private clinic in Ekori, Yakurr Local Government Area.
The patient, identified as Ukpan, reportedly developed complications after undergoing the procedure on September 8, 2026, and was discharged from the clinic later that day.
Police spokesperson, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, said the patient was taken to Ugep General Hospital three days later by a 33-year-old man, Bassey Otu Bassey, after his condition reportedly worsened.
According to the command, tension arose at the hospital around 9pm when members of Ukpan’s family allegedly attempted to attack Bassey over questions surrounding his professional status and alleged involvement in the surgery.
Police officers intervened and took Bassey into protective custody at the Ugep Police Division to prevent the situation from escalating.
During preliminary interrogation, the suspect allegedly identified himself as a theatre assistant and told investigators that he carried out the procedure while his principal was absent.
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The police said they are currently verifying the suspect’s professional qualifications and status, as well as examining the circumstances surrounding the surgery.
Investigators are also probing the nature and cause of the patient’s complications to establish whether they are connected to the procedure.
The command stressed that no determination had been made regarding criminal liability or the cause of the patient’s condition, pending the conclusion of investigations and relevant medical and professional assessments.
The police urged members of the public to avoid mob action and jungle justice, assuring that anyone found culpable based on credible evidence would be prosecuted according to the law.