The Chairman of Ughelli North Local Government Area, Olorogun Jaro Egbo, has led a coordinated operation that resulted in the arrest of a suspected fake medical practitioner accused of defrauding residents of Ekiugbo community under the guise of offering eye treatment.
The suspect, identified as Abass Abubakar, said to be from Lafia in Nasarawa State, was apprehended on Wednesday following a wave of complaints from members of the public, particularly elderly victims who allegedly fell prey to his activities.
According to a statement from the council chairman, Abubakar reportedly operated under the name “Al-Arab Eye Clinic,” allegedly running his operations from Benin City while moving around communities to attend to patients.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect allegedly presented himself as a specialist in the treatment of serious eye conditions, including cataract and glaucoma. He was said to have charged unsuspecting patients between N300,000 and N500,000 for the purported procedures.
More alarming, authorities disclosed that substances administered to victims as medicated eye drops were later suspected to be ordinary water, heightening fears over possible health complications and irreversible damage to patients’ eyesight.
Community sources said many of the victims were elderly residents battling deteriorating vision who sought urgent medical attention, only to encounter the suspect’s alleged scheme.
The development has sparked outrage within Ekiugbo and surrounding areas, with residents commending the council authorities for swift intervention to halt what many described as a dangerous and exploitative operation.
Residents have been strongly advised to verify the credentials of medical practitioners and ensure treatments are carried out in accredited health facilities. They are also encouraged to report suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies.
Health professionals have reiterated that cataract and glaucoma management require the expertise of licensed ophthalmologists and proper medical infrastructure, warning that improper or fake treatments could result in permanent blindness.
