C'River Police Arrest Theatre Assistant Over Alleged Unauthorised Hernia Surgery
By Benjamin GBOR
The Cross River State Police Command has arrested 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 of the state.
The command, in a statement signed by its spokesperson, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, on Saturday, said the patient, identified as Ukpan, surname withheld, developed complications after undergoing the procedure on September 8, 2026.
According to the statement, the patient was discharged the same day but was taken to Ugep General Hospital by Bassey Otu Bassey, 33, on September 11 at about 4pm after complications reportedly developed.
The police said that while the patient was receiving treatment at the hospital at about 9pm, members of his family allegedly attempted to mob Bassey after questioning his professional status and involvement in the procedure.
Police officers reportedly intervened, prevented the attack and took Bassey into protective custody at the Ugep Police Division.
During preliminary questioning, the suspect allegedly told investigators that he was a theatre assistant who carried out the procedure in the absence of his principal.
The command said it was verifying his professional status and qualifications, as well as the circumstances surrounding the procedure.
It added that investigators were also examining the nature and cause of the patient's complications and whether they were linked to the surgery.
The police stressed that no conclusion had been reached on criminal liability or the cause of the patient's condition, pending the outcome of the investigation and relevant medical and professional findings.
The command urged members of the public to avoid mob action and jungle justice, assuring that anyone found culpable based on credible evidence would face the law.
