The Akwa Ibom State police command has arrested a quack medical doctor, Mr Sunday Okon Akpan, for allegedly killing a 35-year-old woman during a botched abortion at his clinic in Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area.
Spokesperson for the command, Ms Timfon John, said in a release that the suspect, who own Full Life Medical Centre in Ikot Obio Odongo, was discovered to be a community health practitioner with no medical licence or nursing qualification.
“The suspect, a resident of Afaha Offiong in Nsit Ibom LGA, is not a licensed medical doctor or nurse but a community health practitioner. He used the facility to perform illegal medical procedures, including abortions,” John stated.
She said Akpan was arrested on August 19 following reports that the victim, identified as Blessing Sunday Etim, died after undergoing an illegal abortion at his facility.
“On Tuesday, 19 August, at about 0930 hours, a man was arrested on suspicion of conducting an illegal abortion that resulted in the death of a 35-year-old woman,” John said.
She explained that the arrest followed a complaint lodged by the deceased’s mother, who raised the alarm after learning of her daughter’s sudden death.
John said the victim’s co-tenant revealed that the suspect attempted to sneak the corpse into her room in a bid to cover up the crime, but dropped the body when he was confronted and fled the scene.
Police detectives who arrived at the centre reportedly observed a premature fetus exiting from the victim’s private part, confirming suspicions of a failed abortion.
Further investigations revealed that Akpan had been operating the facility under false pretence, offering illegal medical services and carrying out unsafe abortions. The Full Life Medical Centre has since been deserted.
The police spokesperson said the deceased’s body had been deposited in a morgue for autopsy while investigations continue.
She added that the commissioner of police had directed that the matter be thoroughly investigated to ensure justice for the victim.
