The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested a self-acclaimed medical doctor, Sunday Okon Akpan, for allegedly killing a 35-year-old woman during a botched abortion at his clinic in Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area. The suspect, who owns and operates Full Life Medical Centre, was discovered to be a community health practitioner with no medical license or nursing qualification.
According to the police, the victim, identified as Blessing Sunday Etim, died after undergoing an illegal abortion at Akpan’s facility. The police spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, said the arrest followed a complaint lodged by the deceased’s mother, who raised an alarm after learning of her daughter’s sudden death. Investigations revealed that Akpan had been operating the facility under false pretenses, offering illegal medical services and carrying out unsafe abortions.
The police said the suspect attempted to sneak the corpse into the victim’s room to cover up the crime. When confronted, he dropped the body and fled the scene. Detectives observed a premature fetus exiting from the victim’s private part, confirming suspicions of a failed abortion.
The police have deposited the deceased’s body in a morgue for autopsy and are continuing their investigation. The Commissioner of Police has directed that the matter be thoroughly investigated to ensure justice for the victim. The Full Life Medical Centre has been deserted, and the suspect is currently in police custody.
Akpan, a resident of Afaha Offiong in Nsit Ibom LGA, is not a licensed medical doctor or nurse but a community health practitioner. The police are working to ensure that justice is served and that those responsible for the victim’s death are held accountable.
