The Ogun State Police Command has apprehended a 28-year-old man, Victor Cletus, for allegedly posing as a medical doctor to defraud and sexually exploit a young woman who sought medical help.
Cletus, who works as a cleaner at Babcock University Teaching Hospital in Ilisan Remo, reportedly disguised himself as a surgeon on Snapchat, where he connected with the victim. Believing his claims, the woman confided in him about a breast lump and sought medical advice.
In a statement on Friday, the spokesperson for the command, CSP Omolola Odutola, said Cletus was arrested after the victim lodged a formal complaint detailing her encounter.
“She explained that believing his fabricated credentials, she trusted him with information about a lump in her right breast,” Odutola stated. “Taking advantage of her vulnerability, the suspect demanded money as a supposed surgery fee and instructed her to meet him for a surgical procedure.”
Instead of providing any medical assistance, Cletus allegedly assaulted the woman sexually and withdrew money from her Opay account.
According to Odutola, the victim became suspicious when the self-styled doctor continued pressuring her for sexual intimacy the following day without performing any medical examination. She subsequently contacted Babcock University Teaching Hospital and was shocked to discover that Cletus was not a surgeon but a cleaner.
“The suspect is in custody, and investigation is ongoing. He will be prosecuted accordingly,” Odutola added.
The command urged the public, especially young women, to exercise caution when interacting with strangers online, warning that criminals increasingly use social media to disguise their identities and prey on unsuspecting victims.
Condemning the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, said the command would deal decisively with individuals who exploit or deceive women.
“This is a disturbing and reprehensible act,” Ogunlowo said. “We will not tolerate any form of exploitation, deception, or sexual violence. Young women must be vigilant and avoid entrusting personal or medical information to strangers online.”
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to tracking down offenders who weaponise social media for criminal activities.
