Police investigate death of pregnant woman allegedly denied treatment over N500,000 deposit in Lagos



Monday, April 7, 2025 - The Lagos State Government has commenced a full-scale investigation into the tragic death of a pregnant woman, identified as Mrs Folajimi, who reportedly died after being refused medical attention at a private facility in Lakowe, Ibeju-Lekki, allegedly due to her inability to pay a financial deposit.

The incident, believed to involve both a private hospital and a traditional birth attendant has sparked public outrage and renewed scrutiny over the accessibility of emergency healthcare services in the state.

Preliminary reports suggest that despite being in critical condition, the expectant mother was denied urgent medical care, a delay that may have proved fatal.

In a statement released on Saturday, Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof Akin Abayomi, expressed profound sorrow over the incident, offering condolences to the grieving family on behalf of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the state’s healthcare community.

“No woman should lose her life in the process of giving life,” Abayomi said.

“This case will be thoroughly investigated, and we are committed to ensuring justice for the deceased and her loved ones.”

To this end, a joint investigative panel has been constituted, comprising officials from the Ministry of Health and the Health Facilities Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA).

The panel will examine the registration status of the implicated facilities and individuals, their adherence to regulatory guidelines, and any breaches of emergency care protocols.

The commissioner reaffirmed that all health facilities operating in Lagos whether public or private are legally required to provide emergency medical services without prejudice or delay. Denial of care based on financial constraints, he warned, is both unethical and unlawful.

“Healthcare providers who flout these standards will face the full weight of regulatory and legal consequences,” Abayomi stated.

To prevent future occurrences, the state government pledged to enhance oversight of traditional birth attendants (TBAs) and private health establishments, particularly unregistered nursing homes.

Residents were encouraged to seek treatment only from HEFAMAA-accredited providers and report facilities operating outside their licensed scope.

olice arrest three suspected kidnappers following abduction of passengers in Benue

Security operatives have arrested three suspected kidnappers in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State.

The suspects were arrested on Sunday, April 6, 2025 around Ogoli-Ugboju in the local government area.

The arrest comes a few days after kidnappers k!lled two people and abducted 14 passengers in Otukpo. 

The police, in collaboration with the State Protection Guards, rescued the abducted passengers within 24 hours. 

The three suspects arrested are believed to be part of a larger gang responsible for the recent kidnappings in the area.

The suspects, identified as Ibrahim Salleh, Ashimu, and Abuh Umaru, were chased and apprehended by security operatives who had received intelligence on their whereabouts.

Chairman of Otukpo LG, Maxwell Ogiri, who confirmed the arrest stated that two more suspects are still on the run, with security agencies continuing to pursue them.

“We learnt from intelligence report that they are a gang of five kidnappers. Three have been apprehended. Security agents are going after the remaining two and their collaborators,” he said. 

The spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, Catherine Anene, also confirmed the operation. 

“Operation is ongoing in Otukpo, and I am aware that some suspects have been arrested,” she said. 

Recall that residents of Otukpo town held a protest last Tuesday, demanding action against the rising insecurity in the area and nearby communities.

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