The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested one Gabriel Gideon from Nsit Ubium Local Government Area for allegedly posing as an ophthalmologist and administering unapproved substances to hundreds of people.

 

In a statement on Friday, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, said the suspect allegedly operated in several communities, including Ikot Akpan Itam, Ikot Abasi Itam, and Nung Ikot Itam in Itu Local Government Area.

 

According to the police, Gideon reportedly gathered over 300 people in each village, charging them ₦500 each to treat various eye conditions. He allegedly administered a concoction made of olive oil, juice, and water, claiming it could cure eye defects.

 

The PPRO said the suspect confessed to not being a qualified ophthalmologist, while a medical team from the Ministry of Health confirmed the substances were unapproved for medical use.

 

“On Thursday, August 14, 2025, at approximately 12:05 PM, operatives of the Command received a tip from a concerned citizen regarding a man reportedly treating eye defects with unapproved substances. The suspect, identified as Gabriel Gideon, was promptly apprehended,” the statement read.

 

The police urged residents to seek medical care only from licensed health professionals and warned against falling victim to unqualified practitioners.