Police in Akwa Ibom has apprehended one Gabriel Gideon from Nsit Ubium, for parading himself as an ophthalmologist in Itu Local Government Area.
Mr. Gideon was picked up for allegedly administering a mixture of unapproved substances to hundreds of people in Ikot Akpan Itam, Ikot Abasi Itan and Nung Ikot Itam all in Itu Local government area.
In a press release signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, the arrest took place on Thursday August 14, 2025.
“On Thursday, August 14, 2025, at approximately 12:05 PM, 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”
The release added that Gideon confessed to not being a qualified ophthalmologist. He allegedly assembled over 300 people in each village, charging them ₦500 to administer a concoction of olive oil, juice, and water as a cure for various eye conditions.
A medical team from the Ministry of Health confirmed the nature of the unapproved substances.
Investigation into the matter is ongoing.
