The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested a man posing as an ophthalmologist for allegedly administering an unapproved mixture to hundreds of residents across several communities in Itu Local Government Area.
According to a statement released on Friday, August 15, 2025, by the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, the suspect—identified as Gabriel Gideon from Nsit Ubium—was apprehended after police received a tip-off from a concerned citizen.
“On Thursday, August 14, 2025, at approximately 12:05 PM, operatives of the Command responded to a report about a man claiming to treat eye defects using unapproved substances,” the statement read.
Gideon allegedly gathered over 300 people each in the villages of Ikot Akpan Itam, Ikot Abasi Itam, and Nung Ikot Itam, charging N500 per person to administer a concoction made of olive oil, fruit juice, and water as a supposed cure for various eye conditions.
During interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to not being a licensed medical practitioner or ophthalmologist.
A medical team from the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Health later confirmed the substances used were unapproved for medical use. Police say investigations are ongoing.
