Operating theatre assistant detained in Nigeria after surgery complications
Police in Nigeria’s Cross River State have detained an operating theatre assistant after he allegedly performed hernia surgery on a 60-year-old patient who later developed complications. The incident occurred at a private clinic in Ekori, Yakurr Local Government Area.
Surgery and hospitalization
As Premium Times Nigeria reports, the patient, identified only by the surname Ukpan, underwent surgery on September 8 and was discharged on the same day. Three days later, on September 11 at around 4:00 p.m., he was taken to the General Hospital in Ugep because of reported complications.
Thirty-three-year-old Bassey Otu Bassey arrived at the medical facility together with the patient. According to state police spokesperson Sandy Eitokp, the patient’s relatives attempted to attack him, questioning his professional status and involvement in the surgery.
More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.
Verification of qualifications
Police intervened, prevented vigilante justice and took Bassey into protection at the Ugep police station. During an initial interrogation, he allegedly told investigators that he works as an operating theatre assistant and performed the procedure in the absence of his supervisor.
Police are verifying his professional status and qualifications, as well as the circumstances of the surgery. Law enforcement officials stressed that they have not yet established either criminal liability or the cause of the patient’s deteriorating condition, as this depends on the results of the investigation and medical and professional conclusions.
Cross River State Police urged citizens to refrain from vigilante justice and said that people whose guilt is confirmed by reliable evidence will be held accountable in accordance with the law.
