Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Lagos, Nigeria — The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Lagos Branch, has called for a thorough and independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of a woman at a private hospital in Lagos, amid serious allegations of negligence and mismanagement by medical personnel. The demand underscores growing public concerns over healthcare accountability and patient safety in Nigeria’s medical facilities.
The controversy centres on the tragic death of Mrs. Akubo Lovelyn John, who died shortly after giving birth at Gynescope Specialist Hospital in Lagos. According to her husband’s account, Mrs. John had been admitted to the hospital in the early hours of December 2, 2025, after experiencing mild contractions. She was reportedly initially examined and admitted by medical staff, progressed in labour, and delivered a healthy baby later that day.
What unfolded after the birth has fuelled intense scrutiny and mounting calls for justice. Mr. John, a lawyer, told reporters that his wife began to bleed internally hours after delivery and that efforts by the hospital to manage her condition were inadequate, resulting in prolonged suffering and ultimately her death. He said the hospital’s medical officers administered multiple blood transfusions without addressing the underlying cause of the bleeding, and only made the decision to refer her to another facility after a significant delay — by then with fatal consequences.
The deceased woman’s family, backed by the NBA Lagos Branch, has strongly challenged the hospital’s handling of the case. At a press briefing in Ikeja, Mr. John accused the hospital of negligence and mismanagement, asserting that the care his wife received fell short of expected medical standards and that her death could have been prevented with timely and appropriate action. He demanded transparency and accountability as part of a formal inquiry into the events that led to her death.
In response, the Chairman of the NBA Lagos Branch, Mrs. Uchenna Akingbade, said the association would support the family in seeking justice and ensure that a comprehensive investigation is conducted by relevant regulatory and oversight bodies. She emphasised that every citizen has a right to life and quality healthcare, and that medical practitioners and facilities must be held accountable when lapses occur. Akingbade also urged authorities, including the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) and the Lagos State Government, to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident and to make findings public.
The hospital’s management has disputed claims of negligence. In a telephone conversation with journalists, Professor Jude Okohue, speaking on behalf of Gynescope Specialist Hospital, maintained that the medical team took all necessary steps to stabilise Mrs. John and that staff members even donated blood in an effort to save her life. He suggested that complications were unpredictable and not necessarily a result of inadequate care, adding that stabilisation was required before any referral.
Beyond the dispute over clinical decisions, the wife’s transfer to another facility became another flashpoint of contention. The family alleges that she suffered additional trauma during the transfer process, including a fall from her stretcher. Although the hospital has denied this account, the family has demanded that CCTV footage from the hospital be released and that a post-mortem and coroner’s inquest be conducted to establish the precise cause of death.
Healthcare experts observing the situation noted that maternal mortality remains a pressing public health concern in Nigeria, where infrastructure gaps, shortages of skilled personnel, and weak regulatory enforcement can contribute to adverse outcomes. They said the case highlights the importance of clear clinical protocols, timely decision-making in emergency obstetric care, and robust oversight mechanisms to uphold patient rights and safety.
This is not the first time allegations of medical negligence in Lagos hospitals have drawn public condemnation and calls for investigation. Earlier controversies, including disputes over treatment delays and emergency care protocols in other medical facilities, have stoked debate about standards of care and regulatory enforcement in Nigeria’s health system.
Civil society groups have also weighed in, urging that investigations into Mrs. John’s death be handled with impartiality and transparency to restore confidence in the healthcare system. They have called for findings to be made public and for any culpable individuals or institutions to face appropriate sanctions. Such measures, they argue, are essential not only for justice in individual cases but also for broader systemic reform that prioritises patient welfare and upholds medical ethics.
The NBA’s demand for a probe is expected to put pressure on regulators and government health authorities to act swiftly and comprehensively. As the family and advocates seek answers, Lagos residents and healthcare stakeholders will be watching closely to see whether lessons are learned and accountability is enforced in this tragic case.
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