By Solomon Okpo
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested a self-acclaimed medical practitioner for allegedly carrying out an illegal abortion that led to the death of a 35-year-old woman in Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area.
The Command’s Spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, who confirmed the incident on Thursday, said the suspect, identified as Sunday Okon Akpan, was apprehended following a report lodged by the mother of the deceased, Blessing Sunday Etim.
According to the report, the victim had gone to work at Full Life Medical Centre in Ikot Obio Odong village, where Akpan allegedly carried out the botched procedure.
DSP John explained that the suspect attempted to secretly dispose of the victim’s body in her apartment but was confronted by a co-tenant. “When challenged, the suspect dropped the corpse and fled the scene,” she said.
Detectives who arrived at the scene discovered a premature fetus emerging from the deceased’s body. Further investigation revealed that the suspect, who hails from Afaha Offiong village in Nsit Ibom, is neither a licensed medical doctor nor a nurse, but a community health practitioner running the facility without proper approval.
“The preliminary findings indicate that the victim died as a result of a failed abortion performed by the suspect. The facility has since been deserted, and efforts are ongoing to uncover the full extent of his illegal medical operations,” DSP John added.
The deceased’s body has been deposited at a morgue for preservation and autopsy, while police investigations continue.
