Headline: Fake Doctor Arrested in Akwa Ibom Over Death of Woman in Failed Abortion.
The Main story: The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested a self-proclaimed medical doctor, Sunday Okon Akpan, in connection with the death of a Year-old woman during a failed abortion procedure at an unlicensed clinic in the Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area.
Akpan, who runs Full Life Medical Centre in Ikot Obio Odong, was found to be a community health worker operating without any formal medical or nursing qualifications. According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, the suspect was apprehended on August 19 following reports that the victim, identified as Blessing Sunday Etim, died after undergoing an illegal abortion at the facility.
“On Tuesday, August 19, at about 9:30 a.m., a man was arrested on suspicion of conducting an illegal abortion that resulted in the death of a Year-old woman,” DSP John stated.
The arrest followed a complaint filed by the deceased’s mother, who raised concerns after learning of her daughter’s sudden death. According to police investigations, a co-tenant of the victim alleged that Akpan attempted to discreetly place the deceased’s body in her room in an effort to conceal the incident. “When confronted, he dropped the body and fled the scene,” the police spokesperson added.
When detectives arrived at the facility, they reportedly observed signs consistent with a botched abortion, including the presence of a premature fetus partially expelled from the victim’s body.
Further investigation revealed that Akpan had been operating the clinic under false pretenses, providing unauthorized medical services, including unsafe abortion procedures. Authorities have since sealed off the Full Life Medical Centre, which has been abandoned following the incident.
“The suspect, a resident of Afaha Offiong in Nsit Ibom LGA, is neither a licensed doctor nor a registered nurse. He is just a community health worker who illegally operated the facility and conducted unsafe abortions,” DSP John confirmed.
The victim’s body has been deposited in a morgue for autopsy. The Commissioner of Police has ordered a comprehensive investigation to ensure justice is served.
“Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses,” the police Spokesperson concluded.
