By Onwa Ekor
The Cross River Police Command has arrested a 33-year-old theatre assistant for allegedly carrying out an unauthorised hernia surgery on a 60-year-old man at a private clinic in Ekori, Yakurr local government area.
Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, said in a statement that the patient, Ukpan, reportedly developed complications days after the procedure.
According to the Command, the surgery was performed on September 8, 2026, and the patient was discharged the same day.
“On September 11, at about 4:00 p.m.,” the statement added, the victim was “taken to Ugep General Hospital by the suspect, Bassey Otu Bassey, after his condition worsened.”
Trouble started later that evening when members of the patient’s family attempted to attack Bassey at the hospital over questions about his professional status.
“At about 9:00 p.m., while at the hospital, members of the patient’s family allegedly attempted to mob Bassey Otu Bassey.
“Police officers promptly intervened, prevented the mob action and took him into protective custody at Ugep Police Division,” Eitokpah stated.
During preliminary questioning, the suspect reportedly told police that he is a theatre assistant who performed the procedure in the absence of his principal.
The Command said it is now verifying his qualifications and the circumstances surrounding the surgery.
It is also investigating the nature and cause of the patient’s complications to determine if they are linked to the procedure.
“No conclusion has been reached regarding criminal liability or the cause of the patient’s condition, pending the outcome of the investigation and relevant medical and professional findings,” the statement added.
The police urged residents to avoid mob action and jungle justice, assuring that anyone found culpable will face the law.
