Nurse Arraigned After Private Patient Dies In Lagos

Ebute- Meta Magistrate Court

Caroline Okoye, 44, who claims to be a certified auxiliary nurse, was  brought before an Ebute Meta Magistrate’s court on Monday, May 12, 2014 for allegedly giving medical treatment to one Ephraim Omeugo at her residence at the Ijaiye area of Lagos State without due qualification which led to his death.

On the day of the incident, Omeugo, who had fallen ill, had spoken with a relative who advised he should visit a private medical centre owned by him.

It was learnt that he was originally supposed to go to the state’s General Hospital due to the severity of the sickness, but decided to go to the medical centre after the advice where he met with Mrs Okoye who worked at the medical centre as a nurse.

She reportedly asked the 42-year-old to meet her at her home, where she treated him and administered the drugs.

After taking the drugs, it was learnt that Omeugo asked for a bottle of soft drink, after which he fainted. He was immediately taken to the medical centre where he died, although the cause of death is yet to be revealed.

 Okoye was arrested on one count of reckless and negligent acts.

The charge reads, “That you, Caroline Okoye, on April 16, 2014 at about 8am at 144, Powerline Road, Ijaiye Lagos, in the Lagos Magisterial District, without being a qualified medical doctor or nurse, did recklessly and negligently give medical treatment to one Ephraim Omeugo, aged 42 years.”

The police prosecutor, Richard Odige, said the offence was punishable under section 249 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, Nigeria, 2011.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge and elected summary trial.

The defence counsel, E.O. Udoagwa, applied for Okoye’s bail in liberal terms.

However the defendant was granted  bail in the sum of N100,000 with one surety in like sum by The Chief Magistrate, Mrs. E.B. Daodu,

“The surety must be gainfully employed in a reputable organisation, with evidence of tax payment to Lagos State for three years. The address of the surety must be verified. The defendant is hereby ordered to be remanded pending the time the bail conditions will be met,” she added.

The case has been adjourned till June 30, 2014.