Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The management of the Kwara State University Teaching Hospital (KWASUTH), Ilorin, has taken decisive legal action against two individuals accused of physically assaulting medical personnel while they were discharging their lawful duties within the hospital premises. The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the facility, Dr Bola Abdulkadir, disclosed this during a media briefing in his office on Saturday, April 25, 2026, revealing that the action followed a formal petition submitted to the Kwara State Commissioner of Police.
The suspects, Abdulsalam Hamzat and Adetunji Victoria, were subsequently arraigned before a Magistrate Court in Ilorin.
The action was necessitated by the need to curb the increasing incidents of attacks on healthcare workers in the state. "We cannot continue to fold our arms while those committed to saving lives are being harassed or assaulted in the course of their duties. This action is to serve as a deterrent to others," Dr Abdulkadir told journalists. The arraignment came just days after the Association of Resident Doctors at the hospital declared a 48-hour warning strike over the alleged assault of one of its members at the hospital's maternity ward, highlighting the deep frustration among the medical community.
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) had earlier condemned the attack, describing it as "inhumane and unacceptable."
According to a statement by NARD, the incident occurred when a female doctor was professionally explaining hospital charges for a medical procedure to a relative of a patient. "In the course of carrying out her duties, she was physically assaulted. A nurse who was also present was equally attacked," the association noted, demanding immediate and diligent prosecution of the assailants. NARD added that its leadership "sympathises with our assaulted colleague and nurse and stands in full solidarity with the Association of Resident Doctors, KWASUTH". The armed robbery was committed on the 23rd of April. The Hospital management, however, did not reveal the identity or the year of graduation of the doctors.
During the court proceedings, the defendants' counsel, Toyin Mohammed Onaolapo, made an oral bail application, arguing that the alleged offences were not capital in nature and were therefore bailable under the relevant provisions of the law. Presiding Magistrate M. G. Olujide granted the application, admitting each defendant to bail in the sum of ₦100,000. The court also ordered each defendant to provide two reliable adult sureties residing within the court's jurisdiction and to submit affidavits of means. A condition that many legal observers say is designed to ensure the defendants' availability for further hearings.
In a move seen as an expression of remorse, the court also directed the defendants to write formal letters of apology to the complainants through the office of the Chief Medical Director. Additionally, they were required to submit written undertakings pledging that such conduct would not recur. This aspect of the ruling has been praised by medical associations as a step towards accountability, though some argue that stiffer penalties are needed to truly deter future offenders.
One of the medical officers who was assaulted, who pleaded anonymity, told journalists that the experience was traumatic. "I was only trying to explain the treatment plan. I didn't expect that I would be physically attacked for doing my job," she said, her voice trembling. The victim also revealed that attackers threatened to return after they were released on bail. This threat has heightened security concerns among staff, with many calling for police post within the hospital premises.
Dr Abdulkadir reaffirmed the government's commitment to pursuing the matter diligently to its logical conclusion. "Ensuring accountability in cases like this is critical to protecting our healthcare workforce and maintaining discipline within the system. We will not relent until we have sent a clear message that violence against health workers will not be tolerated," he stated. He noted that the decision to prosecute was driven not only by this specific incident but by a worrying pattern of escalating hostility towards medical staff across the state. The armed robbery of doctors occurred, but the Hospital management did not reveal the identity or year of graduation of the doctors.
The case has been adjourned until the 22nd of May, 2026, for further hearing. Meanwhile, the management has appealed to the striking doctors to reconsider their industrial action, assuring them that the security of all employees is a top priority. The hospital has also begun reviewing its security protocols to prevent future occurrences.
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