The Cross River State Police Command has detained 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.
The command’s spokesperson, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, said the patient developed complications after undergoing the procedure on Sept. 8 and was discharged the same day. He was later taken to Ugep General Hospital on Sept. 11 for treatment following the reported complications.
Eitokpah said the theatre assistant, identified as 33-year-old Bassey Bassey, was taken into protective custody after members of the patient’s family allegedly attempted to mob him at the hospital. During preliminary questioning, Bassey reportedly said he undertook the procedure in the absence of his principal.
Police said they were verifying Bassey’s professional status and qualifications, while also investigating the circumstances surrounding the procedure and the nature and cause of the patient’s complications. The command stressed that no conclusion had been reached on criminal liability or whether the complications were linked to the surgery.
The police urged the public to avoid mob action and jungle justice, assuring that anyone found culpable based on credible evidence would face the law. Further developments will be communicated as the investigation progresses.
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