Police in Cross River State have 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 patient reportedly developed complications after undergoing the procedure on September 8 and was discharged the same day. He was later taken to Ugep General Hospital on September 11 after his condition reportedly worsened.
The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, said the patient was brought to the hospital by 33-year-old Bassey Bassey, who was subsequently confronted by members of the patient’s family.
Police intervened after the family allegedly attempted to mob Bassey, taking him into protective custody at the Ugep Police Division.
According to Eitokpah, Bassey identified himself during preliminary questioning as a theatre assistant who carried out the procedure in the absence of his principal.
The command is now verifying his professional status and qualifications while investigating the circumstances surrounding the surgery and the nature and cause of the patient’s complications.
Police stressed that no determination has been made on criminal liability or whether the complications resulted from the procedure.
Eitokpah urged the public to avoid mob action and jungle justice, assuring that anyone found culpable on the basis of credible evidence would face the law.
