Fake Eye Doctor Arrested in Akwa Ibom for Treating Hundreds with Unapproved Substances

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has apprehended a man posing as an ophthalmologist for allegedly administering unsafe mixtures to hundreds of unsuspecting residents.

Police spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, in a statement on Friday, said the suspect, Gabriel Gideon, was arrested on Thursday, August 14, 2025, in Nsit-Ubium Local Government Area following a tip-off from concerned residents of Itu LGA. Gideon reportedly treated people using a concoction made of olive oil, juice, and water.

A fake medical doctor who parades himself as an ophthalmologist has been arrested for allegedly administering a mixture of unapproved substances to hundreds of people in Ikot Akpan Itam, Ikot Abasi Itam, and Nung Ikot Itam in Itu LGA, the police statement read.

The police revealed that operatives moved in at about 12:05 p.m. after receiving the alert. “On Thursday, August 14, 2025, at approximately 12:05pm, operatives of the command received a tip from a concerned citizen regarding a man who was reportedly treating eye defects with unapproved substances. The suspect, identified as Gabriel Gideon from Nsit Ubium, was apprehended.”

Investigations showed that Gideon, who admitted he was not a qualified eye doctor, allegedly gathered over 300 people in each of three villages — Ikot Akpan Itam, Ikot Abasi Itam, and Nung Ikot Itam — charging them ₦500 each for his so-called treatment.

A medical team from the Ministry of Health later confirmed that the substances he used were not approved for medical purposes. The police say investigations are still ongoing.