Two doctors, Michael Atiba and Michael Ugbeye, are currently facing trial at the Ikeja High Court, Lagos, over the death of a patient, Ejiro Ugorobi. The trial, presided over by Justice Oyindamola Ogala, involves charges of involuntary manslaughter against both doctors.
The Lagos State Government brought the case to court, accusing Atiba, a doctor from Gbagada General Hospital, and Ugbeye, a consultant at the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, of involvement in Ugorobi’s death, which allegedly occurred after medical treatment. The incident took place on October 21, 2023, following a surgery performed on Ugorobi, who had injured his leg while playing football.
During the trial, the first witness, the deceased’s mother, Nkechi Ugorobi, provided emotional testimony. She recounted how her 29-year-old son had injured his leg during a football game in September 2023. After consulting Ugbeye at Morningside Specialist Hospital, Ugorobi underwent tests that revealed a torn ligament.
Despite some improvement in the swelling of his leg, Ugorobi continued to experience pain and eventually underwent a non-invasive surgery in October 2023. His mother explained that after the surgery, Ejiro felt discomfort, including nausea, weakness, and shortness of breath. Sadly, he passed away shortly after the procedure.
The case has been adjourned until November 20, 2024, for the continuation of the trial and the testimony of additional witnesses.
