Trial Begins for Two Doctors Over Alleged Manslaughter of Patient in Lagos

The Lagos State Government has initiated the trial of two doctors, Michael Atiba and Michael Ugbeye, accused of involuntary manslaughter in connection with the death of a 29-year-old patient, Ejiro Ugorobi, which seemed to be an untimely death as a result of the treatment given to him.

 The case, presided over by Justice Oyindamola Ogala at Ikeja High Court, began with both doctors pleading not guilty to the charges that had been laid on them.

 During the trial, the prosecution’s first witness, Ejiro’s mother, Nkechi Ugorobi, testified that her son injured his leg while playing football in September 2023 while trying to cool off stress.

 However, in spite of the early signs of recovery, he underwent non-invasive surgery on October 21, 2023, at Morningside Specialist Hospital, where he later developed complications, including shortness of breath and palpitations, which led to his untimely death as predicted.

 “He called me after the surgery and said it was successful, but soon after, he started feeling cold, hot, and very weak.

 The next thing I knew, my son was gone,” she emotionally recalled.

 The case has been adjourned to November 20, 2024, for further trial and cross-examination of additional witnesses to make the issue more visible and detailed to the root to be able to figure out what decision is best to make.

 The grieving mother seeks justice for her son’s tragic death, hoping to find peace and comfort amid her loss.