Two doctors, Michael Atiba and Michael Ugbeye, are currently on trial at the Ikeja High Court in Lagos for the death of a patient, Ejiro Ugorobi.
The trial, presided over by Justice Oyindamola Ogala, involves charges of involuntary manslaughter related to the patient’s death after a medical procedure.
The Lagos State Government had arraigned the doctors on March 25, 2024. Both doctors pleaded not guilty to the charges. According to the prosecution, led by A. O. Azeez, Atiba, a doctor at Gbagada General Hospital, and Ugbeye, a consultant at the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, are accused of causing Ugorobi’s death, which is considered a violation of Section 224 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
The incident occurred on October 21, 2023, at a hospital on Michael Adekoya Street in Ilupeju, Lagos. Ugorobi had gone for non-invasive surgery after suffering a leg injury while playing football.
During the trial, the deceased’s mother, Nkechi Ugorobi, testified about the events leading to her son’s death. She said that Ejiro, her only son and a 29-year-old electrical engineer, had injured his leg while playing football on September 9, 2023. After the injury, Ejiro told her his leg was swollen and that he needed to see Dr. Ugbeye at Morningside Specialist Hospital.
Nkechi recounted, “Ejiro called me and told me he had fallen while playing football. He said his leg was swollen, and he needed to see a doctor for treatment. Tests confirmed he had a torn ligament.”
Despite undergoing treatment and showing some signs of improvement, Ejiro told his mother he needed further tests. He eventually opted for surgery on October 21, 2023, which he believed would solve the problem. Ejiro’s sister accompanied him to the hospital.
Nkechi said, “After the surgery, Ejiro called me to say it was successful, but he felt nauseous and uncomfortable. He mentioned feeling hot and cold, and his leg was very heavy. Later, he complained of weakness, shortness of breath, and palpitations. That was the last conversation I had with him before he passed away.”
Following her testimony, Justice Ogala adjourned the case to November 20, 2024, for the trial to continue with the cross-examination of the second prosecution witness.
