The Cross River State Police Command has arrested a 33-year-old man, Bassey Otu Bassey, over an alleged unauthorized hernia surgery performed on a 60-year-old patient in Ekori, Yakurr Local Government Area.
The suspect, who identified himself as a theatre assistant, was taken into protective custody by police on 11th September 2026 after he was almost lynched by members of the patient’s family at Ugep General Hospital.
This was contained in a press statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, and made available to journalists on 12th September 2026.
According to the Command, the patient, identified only as Ukpan, reportedly underwent the hernia procedure on 8th September 2026 at a private clinic in Ekori and was discharged the same day.
However, on 11th September at about 4:00 p.m., the patient developed complications and was rushed to Ugep General Hospital by Bassey Otu Bassey.
Trouble started later that night at about 9:00 p.m. when family members questioned the suspect’s professional status and attempted to mob him. Police officers at the hospital intervened and whisked him to the Ugep Police Division to prevent jungle justice.
“I did it in absence of my principal”
During preliminary questioning, the suspect allegedly told police that he carried out the surgery in the absence of his principal.
The Command said it is currently verifying his professional qualifications and the circumstances under which the procedure was conducted. It is also investigating the nature and cause of the patient’s complications and whether they are connected to the surgery.
“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 read.
The Police Command warned members of the public to desist from mob action, assuring that anyone found culpable based on credible evidence will face the law.
Further updates are expected as investigations continue.
