He charged each person N500 and administered a concoction of olive oil, juice, and water, claiming it could cure various eye defects and vision problems.
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has apprehended a man posing as a medical doctor who allegedly duped hundreds of residents by claiming to be an ophthalmologist.
The suspect, Gabriel Gideon, a native of Nsit Ubium, reportedly administered a mixture of unapproved substances to residents in multiple communities within Itu Local Government Area, including Ikot Akpan Itam, Ikot Abasi Itam, and Nung Ikot Itam.
The police spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, disclosed the arrest in a statement issued on Friday, August 15, 2025.
According to him, the Command received a tip-off from a concerned citizen on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at approximately 12:05 PM, alerting them to a man treating eye conditions with substances that had not been medically approved.
Investigations revealed that Gideon had been attracting large crowds of villagers, reportedly gathering over 300 people in each community.
He charged each person N500 and administered a concoction of olive oil, juice, and water, claiming it could cure various eye defects and vision problems.
During police interrogation, Gideon admitted that he lacked formal medical training and was not a licensed ophthalmologist.
He reportedly confessed that his activities were purely self-directed and not medically sanctioned.
Subsequently, a team of health professionals from the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Health examined the substances and confirmed that they were unapproved and potentially hazardous for human use.
DSP John emphasised that the investigation into the suspect’s activities is ongoing. Authorities are working to determine whether additional individuals were involved and to assess the overall health impact on those who received the treatment.
The police also warned residents to exercise caution when seeking medical attention and to verify the credentials of any healthcare provider.
This incident underscores the risks posed by unlicensed practitioners and the importance of public vigilance in preventing medical fraud. Residents of Itu and surrounding communities have been urged to report any suspicious medical practices to law enforcement immediately.