Police in Akwa Ibom State have arrested a man, Sunday Okon Akpan, for allegedly causing the death of a 35-year-old woman during an illegal abortion at his clinic in Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area.
The suspect, who claimed to be a doctor, owns and operates the Full Life Medical Centre in Ikot Obio Odong community but has no licence to practice as a medical doctor or nurse.
Police spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, confirmed the incident in a statement on Thursday.
“On Tuesday, 19 August, at 0930 hours, a man was arrested on suspicion of conducting an illegal abortion that resulted in the death of a 35-year-old woman,” John said.
The police said the arrest followed a report from the victim’s mother, who said her daughter, identified as Blessing Sunday Etim, had gone to work at the facility before the incident.
According to a co-tenant, Akpan allegedly tried to move the woman’s body secretly into her room after the procedure went wrong. “When confronted, he dropped the corpse and fled the scene,” the police spokesperson added.
Detectives who arrived at the scene found signs of an incomplete abortion. “Upon arrival, detectives observed a premature fetus exiting the victim’s private part,” John said.
Further investigation led to Akpan’s arrest at his residence in Afaha Offiong, Nsit Ibom Local Government Area. Police findings revealed that the suspect was a community health practitioner, not a licensed doctor, and had allegedly been running the clinic for illegal medical procedures, including abortions.
The facility has since been abandoned, while the victim’s body has been taken to a morgue for autopsy.
John said investigations are ongoing and more details will be provided as they emerge.
