Cross River Police: Otu Bassey Arrested for Unauthorised Hernia Surgery

• Otu Bassey, 33, was arrested in Cross River State for allegedly performing an unauthorized hernia surgery on a 60-year-old patient.
• The patient, Ukpan, developed severe complications three days after the procedure, which took place at a private clinic in Ekori.
• Police intervened at Ugep General Hospital to prevent patient's family members from attacking Bassey, who claimed to be a theatre assistant.
• The Cross River State Police Command has launched an investigation to verify Bassey's qualifications and the circumstances of the surgery.
• Medical personnel are also investigating the link between the alleged surgery and the patient's complications, with no criminal liability concluded yet.

This alarming incident serves as a stark reminder of the profound risks posed by Cross River medical quackery and the broader issue of unlicensed medical practice Nigeria.

The Cross River State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of Otu Bassey, a 33-year-old man, following allegations that he performed an unauthorised hernia surgery on a 60-year-old patient, identified as Ukpan. The procedure, which took place at a private clinic in Ekori, within the Yakurr Local Government Area, reportedly led to severe complications for the patient. According to Sunday Eitokpah, the Police Public Relations Officer for the Command, the alleged Otu Bassey Cross River unauthorised hernia surgery occurred on September 8, 2026, with the patient discharged the same day. This incident highlights the critical dangers associated with unlicensed medical practice Nigeria.

Eitokpah, speaking from Calabar, the state capital, detailed that the patient's condition deteriorated significantly just three days after the initial procedure. The rapid onset of complications underscores the potential for grave harm when medical interventions are undertaken by individuals without proper authorization or training. The police statement emphasized the seriousness of the allegations and the immediate actions taken by law enforcement in response to the reported medical quackery.

On September 11, 2026, at approximately 4 pm, Ukpan's health significantly worsened, prompting Otu Bassey to transport the ailing patient to Ugep General Hospital. Later that evening, around 9 pm, family members of the patient, harboring suspicions about Bassey's medical credentials, attempted to confront him at the hospital. This volatile situation necessitated immediate intervention by police officers on duty, who swiftly acted to prevent any mob action against the suspect.

Following their intervention, Bassey was taken into protective custody at the Ugep Police Division. This prompt action by law enforcement prevented further escalation while initiating a formal Cross River State Police investigation into the matter. The police command immediately began the process of verifying Bassey's professional status and qualifications, recognizing the gravity of the allegations of unauthorized medical practice.

The Cross River State Police Command has launched a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the alleged Ekori unauthorised surgery. Authorities are actively working to verify Otu Bassey's professional status and qualifications, as well as the precise conditions under which the procedure was conducted. During preliminary questioning, Bassey reportedly claimed to be a theatre assistant who undertook the surgery in the absence of his principal, a statement now central to the ongoing inquiry.

Concurrently, medical personnel are examining the patient’s complications to ascertain any direct link to the alleged surgery. The police have emphasized that no conclusions regarding criminal liability will be drawn until these investigations are complete and all medical reports have been thoroughly reviewed. This case underscores the severe criminal and civil liabilities associated with medical quackery and unauthorized medical procedures in Nigeria, highlighting the imperative for thorough due process.

This alarming incident serves as a stark reminder of the profound risks posed by Cross River medical quackery and the broader issue of unlicensed medical practice Nigeria. Such unauthorized procedures not only endanger patient lives but also expose perpetrators to significant legal consequences, including potential criminal charges for operating without proper licensure. Lawyers should be aware of the potential for both criminal prosecution of unlicensed practitioners and civil claims for negligence or battery on behalf of affected patients.

Furthermore, this situation highlights the critical role of compliance officers in healthcare, who must ensure robust credentialing and oversight processes to prevent such incidents and mitigate institutional liability. The police have issued a public caution against vigilantism, assuring the community that anyone found culpable in this case will face prosecution. This commitment highlights the imperative for robust regulatory enforcement to safeguard public health and maintain trust in the medical profession, preventing future instances of unauthorized medical practice.

This incident highlights the severe criminal and civil liabilities associated with medical quackery and unauthorized medical procedures in Nigeria. Lawyers should be aware of potential criminal charges for unlicensed practitioners and civil claims for negligence or battery, while compliance officers in healthcare must ensure robust credentialing and oversight processes to prevent such incidents and mitigate institutional liability.

Source: Original reporting via PUNCH