The Rivers State Government has arrested four people over alleged medical quackery and impersonation, after authorities reportedly discovered two suspects attempting to perform a thyroid surgery at an unregistered facility operating inside a residential compound in Port Harcourt.

The state Ministry of Health also sealed eight health facilities during its October inspection and enforcement exercise, aimed at curbing illegal medical practice and protecting residents from unsafe healthcare services.

According to the ministry, the incident occurred at No. 27 Victoria Street, where enforcement officers allegedly found Ataisi Jephtha, who reportedly presented himself as a surgeon, and Mgboawaji Edwin attempting to perform a thyroidectomy on a patient.

Both suspects were arrested, and the facility was immediately sealed.

A thyroidectomy is a surgical procedure involving the partial or complete removal of the thyroid gland, which is located in the neck. The operation requires appropriate medical expertise and suitable facilities.

Eight Facilities Sealed In Enforcement Exercise

Beyond the residential facility, the inspection team shut down five other hospitals and two medical laboratory centres over alleged failure to obtain the required registration or meet minimum operational standards.

The latest enforcement action follows an earlier exercise in which the state government reportedly sealed 21 health facilities over alleged medical quackery and other violations.

The ministry said the ongoing inspections were part of efforts to ensure healthcare providers comply with established regulations and deliver services under safe conditions.

Licensed Practitioners Also Face Sanctions

The Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Health, Dr Vincent Wachukwu, warned that holding a professional licence does not automatically authorise a practitioner to operate from an unregistered or substandard facility.

According to the ministry’s Press Officer, Ednah Alete, Wachukwu said medical practitioners who violate the guidelines of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) could face sanctions in line with applicable regulations.

The ministry urged healthcare operators to obtain the necessary registration and comply with minimum operating standards, warning that violations could attract enforcement action.

Residents were also advised to verify the registration of health facilities and the qualifications of practitioners before seeking treatment or undergoing surgical procedures.

The four suspects face allegations and have not been convicted of any offence. Their guilt can only be determined through due legal process.