The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested a health practitioner accused of conducting an illegal abortion that led to the death of a 35-year-old woman in Ikot Obio Odung village, Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area.
Police spokesperson DSP Timfon John confirmed the arrest in a statement on Thursday, noting that the case was reported by the victim’s mother. According to the report, the deceased had gone to work at the Full Life Medical Centre in Ikot Obio Odung before the incident occurred.
John explained that the suspect, a resident of Afaha Offiong in Nsit Ibom, allegedly carried out the procedure at about 9:30 p.m. on August 19. Detectives who arrived at the scene reportedly found evidence of a premature fetus.
A neighbour of the victim alleged that the employer attempted to dump the body in the woman’s room but fled after being confronted. Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect, who operates the Full Life Medical Centre, is not a licensed doctor or nurse but a community health practitioner. The facility has since been found deserted.
The police confirmed that the deceased’s body has been deposited at a morgue for autopsy as investigations continue. John assured that further details would be released as the inquiry progresses.