Operatives of the Nigeria Police Command in Cross River State have averted a violent mob attack on a 33-year-old man in Ekori, Yakurr Local Government Area, after a 60-year-old patient developed severe complications following a surgical procedure.
The suspect, identified as Bassey Otu Bassey, allegedly posed as a medical doctor and performed an unauthorised hernia surgery on the elderly victim at his medical facility on September 8, 2026.
The Command’s spokesperson, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, revealed in a statement on Sunday that swift police intervention prevented jungle justice, taking the suspect into protective custody at the Ugep Police Division.
According to the statement: ”On 11 September 2026, at about 4:00 p.m., [the victim] was reportedly taken to Ugep General Hospital by Bassey Otu Bassey, ‘M’, 33 years, following the reported complications.
”While at the hospital at about 9:00 p.m., members of the patient’s family allegedly attempted to mob Bassey Otu Bassey after raising concerns about his professional status and involvement in the procedure.
”During preliminary questioning, the suspect reportedly stated that he is a theatre assistant who undertook the procedure in the absence of his principal”, according to the police.
The police are currently verifying the suspect’s professional qualifications and investigating the exact circumstances surrounding the botched surgery and subsequent complications.
”No conclusion has been reached regarding criminal liability or the cause of the patient’s condition, pending the outcome of the investigation and relevant medical and professional findings,” the spokesperson added.
The police authority strongly urged members of the public to shun mob action and jungle justice, assuring that anyone found culpable based on credible evidence will face the full weight of the law as investigations continue.
