Death of pregnant woman denied hospital care worries Lagos govt - Newstrends
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Death of pregnant woman denied hospital care worries Lagos govt

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Late Mrs. Folajimi and husband

Death of pregnant woman denied hospital care worries Lagos govt

The Lagos State Government has launched an investigation into the tragic death of a pregnant woman identified simply as Mrs. Folajimi, who reportedly lost her life after being denied medical care at a private healthcare facility in Lakowe, Ibeju-Lekki, due to her inability to make a financial deposit.

The incident, which has sparked widespread outrage and raised concerns over healthcare access, allegedly involved both a traditional birth attendant and a private hospital.

Initial findings suggest that Mrs. Folajimi was turned away despite being in critical condition, a decision that may have cost her life.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, expressed deep sorrow over the loss and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family on behalf of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the entire health sector.

“No one should die during childbirth,” Abayomi stated, adding that the government is committed to uncovering the facts behind the incident and ensuring justice for the late Folajimi and her family.

A joint panel comprising officials from the Lagos State Ministry of Health and the Health Facilities Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) has been set up to investigate the circumstances leading to the woman’s death.

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The probe will examine the registration status of the facilities and individuals involved, their compliance with medical regulations, and any potential breaches of emergency care protocols.

The government reiterated that all health facilities in Lagos—whether public or private—are mandated to offer emergency care without delay or discrimination. Denying treatment in life-threatening situations due to lack of deposit, the Commissioner emphasized, is a gross violation of medical ethics and regulatory obligations.

Abayomi stressed that healthcare providers operating outside the bounds of the law would face serious consequences.

In an effort to prevent similar tragedies, the Lagos State Government also vowed to tighten regulations and oversight on nursing homes and Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs). Residents were urged to seek medical attention only from HEFAMAA-approved institutions and to report any facility practicing beyond its accredited scope.

“The Lagos State Government has reiterated that all healthcare facilities, public or private, must comply with HEFAMAA regulations, including accreditation and regular inspections. The government maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy towards facilities that operate illegally or fail to provide necessary emergency care, as such failures constitute a breach of medical ethics.

“We also wish to reiterate that no healthcare facility is permitted to deny emergency care to any patient, especially in life-threatening situations. It is a breach of medical ethics and regulatory obligations, and such acts will be met with strict penalties. We are also using this opportunity to reiterate the government’s position in enforcing compliance and regulation of nursing homes and Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) as a holistic strategy to strengthen the healthcare system.

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“The public is encouraged to report any healthcare facility that is not registered with HEFAMAA or is practicing beyond its accredited capacity, emphasising the importance of using government-approved institutions for medical care. To enhance oversight, the government is intensifying monitoring efforts across all health establishments, ensuring they adhere to quality and safety standards,” Abayomi stated,.

Community leaders, religious organizations, and healthcare professionals have also been called upon to collaborate with the government in promoting maternal and child health across the state.

“The Lagos State Government calls on community leaders, religious organizations, and healthcare professionals to collaborate in promoting maternal and child health. The government is committed to justice for Mrs. Folajimi and her family, assuring that accountability for negligence and breach of duty will be pursued vigorously.

“In conclusion, the Lagos State Government extends its condolences to the Folajimi family and reaffirms its dedication to preventing similar tragedies in the future while fostering a safer healthcare environment for all residents,” Abayomi added.

Death of pregnant woman denied hospital care worries Lagos govt

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Kano Building Collapse: One Dead, Four Injured as Rescue Teams Respond

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Kano Building Collapse: One Dead, Four Injured as Rescue Teams Respond
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Kano Building Collapse: One Dead, Four Injured as Rescue Teams Respond

A two-storey building under construction on Sultan Road in Kano State collapsed on Friday morning, July 10, 2026, resulting in one fatality and four injuries. The incident occurred around 9 a.m. in the Nasarawa Local Government Area of the state, trapping five people beneath the debris. Emergency responders, neighbours, and passersby quickly mobilised to rescue victims trapped beneath the rubble, with the community’s swift response playing a crucial role in saving lives.

According to the Executive Secretary of the Kano State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) , Isyaku Abdullahi Kubaraci, one of the rescued victims died from injuries sustained in the collapse. “Fortunately, four people survived, and only had one casualty. We have handed over the body of the deceased to his family members. I have to commend the neighbours and passersby who assisted in the rescue operation, and we send our condolences to the family of the deceased,” he stated. The four survivors sustained varying degrees of injuries and were rushed to the Sir Muhammadu Sanusi Hospital in Kano for medical treatment, where they are currently receiving care.

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Construction workers at the site noticed warning signs of structural failure while work was ongoing on the upper floor. One worker, Aliyu Ibrahim Baba, recounted the harrowing events: “I had just arrived and was eating my breakfast before I began work. I heard a noise and went upstairs to check. I saw the caretaker wetting the part of the building we worked on yesterday, so I left and continued eating.” He continued: “Suddenly, sand particles started raining down on me and entered my eyes. One of my co-workers went to check on the caretaker upstairs. There were three people at the door when the building suddenly gave way. We barely managed to run out, but five people were trapped under the rubble. They have all been rescued and taken to the hospital.” Another construction worker, Shuaibu Yaro, confirmed that those trapped included a security guard and a commercial tricycle rider, both of whom were among the rescued survivors.

Baba credited the swift response of residents for saving lives: “People rushed to help us even before the fire service arrived, and that made a huge difference in getting the victims out alive.” Authorities are yet to determine the official cause of the building collapse, though investigations are expected to commence. The incident has once again raised concerns about construction safety standards and regulatory enforcement in Kano State, with many calling for stricter oversight of building projects to prevent future tragedies. Rescue operations at the site have since concluded, with all victims accounted for, as the community mourns the loss of one life while expressing relief that four others survived.

Kano Building Collapse: One Dead, Four Injured as Rescue Teams Respond

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Imo Pastor Gets Life Imprisonment for Raping Minor Living With Him

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Imo Pastor Gets Life Imprisonment for Raping Minor Living With Him

Imo Pastor Gets Life Imprisonment for Raping Minor Living With Him

An Imo State High Court has sentenced Samuel Ehirim, a 42-year-old pastor, to life imprisonment after finding him guilty of sexually assaulting a minor who lived under his care. The judgment was delivered by Justice C.O. Chukwumaeze, who held that the prosecution proved its case “beyond reasonable doubt” and established the defendant’s guilt through credible and consistent evidence. The case has been hailed as a landmark ruling in the enforcement of child protection laws in Imo State, demonstrating the judiciary’s commitment to safeguarding vulnerable members of society.

Ehirim was arraigned on a five-count charge bordering on sexual assaultassault with intent to commit an unnatural offenceindecent treatment of a girl under the age of 13, and assault, contrary to the provisions of the Imo State Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law No. 8 of 2021 and the Criminal Code. In her judgment, Justice Chukwumaeze said the evidence before the court “overwhelmingly” showed that Ehirim committed the offences. The judge held that the defence failed to discredit the prosecution’s witnesses or create any reasonable doubt during the trial, noting that the testimonies of the victim and other witnesses were consistent and credible.

Imo Pastor Gets Life Imprisonment for Raping Minor Living With Him

Samuel Ehirim

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The court further found that the victim, who had been living with the convict, was subjected to repeated sexual abuse over a period of time. The judge noted that the pastor had abused his position of trust and authority, preying on a vulnerable child who had been placed under his care. Although defence counsel S.E. Ibechem, who held the brief of D.O. Agbo, pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy, the judge convicted Ehirim on all five counts and handed down a life sentence, stating that the severity of the offences demanded the maximum penalty permitted by law.

Speaking after the judgment, Ikenna Obi, counsel to the Imo State Ministry of Justice, described the conviction as a significant milestone in the enforcement of the state’s Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law. Obi said the ruling demonstrated the state’s commitment to protecting children and other vulnerable persons from sexual and gender-based violence, and should serve as a strong warning to perpetrators of such crimes. The prosecutor also commended the court for its firm stance, expressing confidence that the decision would strengthen ongoing efforts to combat gender-based violence in the state, while also encouraging more victims to come forward and report abuse without fear of stigma or retaliation. The case reinforces the state’s resolve that no one, regardless of position or title, is above the law when it comes to the protection of children.

Imo Pastor Gets Life Imprisonment for Raping Minor Living With Him

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MURIC Demands Release of El-Rufai’s Personal Physician, Condemns ICPC Arrest

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Appeal Court Hijab Verdict 'Travesty of Justice', MURIC Vows to Fight On

MURIC Demands Release of El-Rufai’s Personal Physician, Condemns ICPC Arrest

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has called on the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to immediately and unconditionally release Professor Bello Abubakar, the personal physician to former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, describing his arrest as arbitrary and inconsistent with democratic principles.

The Islamic human rights organisation made the demand in a statement issued on Friday by its Founder and Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, following reports that the ICPC arrested the medical doctor over alleged false statements.

MURIC expressed concern over the arrest, arguing that medical professionals occupy a protected position globally because of the ethical responsibilities attached to their profession.

According to the group, the detention of a physician raises fears that he could be pressured to disclose confidential information about his patient, contrary to the ethics of medical practice.

“We condemn this arrest. It is arbitrary, alien to global best practices and absolutely uncalled for. This arrest stands in contradistinction to democratic principles. We therefore demand the unconditional release of the doctor with immediate effect,” the statement read.

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The organisation further noted that even in conflict zones, medical personnel are generally accorded special protection because of their humanitarian role in providing care to the sick and injured.

MURIC argued that subjecting a physician to detention could undermine patient-doctor confidentiality, warning that such a development may set a dangerous precedent.

The group also questioned the basis for the arrest, insisting that the explanations provided so far by the anti-graft agency were insufficient to justify the action.

“We are not convinced that the doctor had committed any offence and the explanations given by ICPC can hardly scratch the surface. Nigerians need more to be convinced,” Akintola stated.

The ICPC had reportedly arrested Professor Abubakar on Wednesday in connection with allegations of making false statements. However, the commission has yet to issue a detailed public response to MURIC’s demand for his release.

 

MURIC Demands Release of El-Rufai’s Personal Physician, Condemns ICPC Arrest

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