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Palliative Care, Not Abandonment: Doctor Clears the Air on Ogogo’s Stage-Four Cancer Treatment

Published

2 months ago

August 18, 2026

Palliative Care, Not Abandonment: Doctor Clears the Air on Ogogo’s Stage-Four Cancer Treatment

The daughters of veteran Yoruba actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, recently made emotional public appeals claiming that hospitals had refused to continue treating their father, who is battling stage-four cancer. The family’s plea, shared via Instagram videos, sparked widespread concern and sympathy across Nigeria. However, a medical doctor has stepped forward to offer a professional clarification, explaining that what the family may be experiencing is not a refusal of care but a standard medical transition to palliative care. Dr. Olusina Ajidahun, a medical practitioner known as The Bearded Dr Sina on X, responded to the daughters’ videos by urging the public to understand the difference between curative treatment and end-of-life symptom management. He emphasized that stage-four cancer, by definition, has spread beyond its original site and is often no longer responsive to curative interventions such as chemotherapy. At this point, medical teams typically shift focus to palliative care, which prioritizes the patient’s comfort, pain relief, and quality of life rather than attempting to eliminate the disease. Dr. Ajidahun warned that the daughters’ choice of words—particularly the phrase “they don’t want to treat my father again”—could be dangerously misleading. He noted that such language may create a negative perception of healthcare workers and potentially trigger hostility against medical professionals, especially given the recent tensions in Nigeria’s health sector. He clarified that he is not part of Ogogo’s medical team and was offering his expert opinion independently, based solely on the videos he had seen online.

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When Lima Taiwo, one of Ogogo’s daughters, posted her tearful video on Instagram, she disclosed that the family only became aware of the full extent of her father’s illness about three weeks ago, as his outward appearance had not initially reflected how serious his condition truly was. She pleaded with anyone who could connect them to a healthcare provider willing to take on her father’s case, emphasizing repeatedly that the family was not seeking money but medical intervention. She also acknowledged the support of a relative who had stepped in to help during the crisis. Her sister, Kira Taiwo, made a separate video appeal, confirming that their father’s cancer was at stage four and that the hospital had informed them that chemotherapy could no longer be administered. She became emotional as she described never having seen her father in so much pain and revealed that he had expressed fear of dying. Kira also mentioned that Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi) had been helping with medical bills, but the family remained desperate for any form of treatment that could give their father another chance. Both daughters stressed that their plea was for medical assistance, not financial donations, and they appealed to anyone with connections to healthcare providers who could take on the actor’s case.

Dr. Ajidahun further explained that when patients reach stage-four cancer, chemotherapy and other available therapies are often exhausted. At that juncture, the medical protocol shifts to palliative care, which is a recognized and compassionate form of end-of-life care for terminal diseases. He stressed that this does not mean the patient is being abandoned; rather, it means the medical team is now focused on managing associated symptoms such as pain, breathing difficulties, and nausea, while ensuring the patient maintains the best possible quality of life in their remaining time. He described the daughters’ statement as a “dangerous statement” that could inadvertently set the public against the very people trying to help their father. He also expressed sympathy for the Ogogo family, acknowledging the emotional toll of watching a loved one battle advanced cancer, and encouraged them to work closely with the medical team to achieve the best possible outcomes within the limits of the disease.

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In addition to clarifying the medical process, Dr. Ajidahun issued a strong warning against the use of herbal remedies for stage-four cancer. This came after one of Ogogo’s daughters mentioned being open to herbs as a possible treatment option. He categorically stated that no herbs can treat stage-four cancer, and cautioned that unverified concoctions could cause further damage to vital organs and lead to additional complications. He advised the public to trust their doctors and to collaborate with medical professionals rather than seeking unproven alternatives that could hasten deterioration. He urged the family and the wider public to understand that stage-four cancer means the disease has left the primary organ and spread to other sites in the body, making curative treatment unrealistic. He reiterated that doctors always want what is best for their patients and that working hand-in-hand with the medical team offers the best path forward, even in terminal cases.

Taiwo Hassan, who is 66 years old, is a veteran of the Nigerian film industry with a career spanning over four decades. He has featured in more than 300 films and remains one of the most recognizable faces in Yoruba cinema, with notable roles in productions like Aníkúlápó. Over the years, he has received several accolades, including a City People Movie Lifetime Achievement Award and a nomination for an Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Award for Best Supporting Actor. As of this report, neither Ogogo nor his family has issued a detailed official statement regarding the specific hospital, diagnosis, or type of cancer involved, and the actor’s management has not publicly commented on the controversy. However, the public discourse continues to highlight the urgent need for better awareness around cancer care, palliative treatment, and the emotional realities faced by families navigating terminal illnesses in Nigeria.

Palliative Care, Not Abandonment: Doctor Clears the Air on Ogogo’s Stage-Four Cancer Treatment

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Enugu Man Recounts How HIV Argument Allegedly Led to Girlfriend’s Death

Published

2 hours ago

October 2, 2026

Trends Admin

Okpara Chibuike Emmanuel

Enugu Man Recounts How HIV Argument Allegedly Led to Girlfriend’s Death

A 30-year-old man, Okpara Chibuike Emmanuel, has told the Enugu State Police Command how he allegedly killed his 27-year-old girlfriend, Chinyere Rosemary Ugwu, after an argument involving allegations over HIV infection.

Emmanuel gave the account during an interview with the Enugu State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, in a video released by the command on Friday.

The police identified Ugwu as a Medical Laboratory Science graduate of the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu, who had recently completed her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme.

According to Emmanuel, the incident occurred around midnight on September 19, 2026, at his residence in Olympic Layout, One-Day area of Enugu.

He said the argument started after he told Ugwu that he could treat people living with hepatitis C, HIV and syphilis. Emmanuel alleged that Ugwu then accused him of infecting her with HIV, leading to a heated argument that escalated into a physical confrontation.

The suspect claimed Ugwu picked up a pestle and began hitting him, after which he said he took the object from her and struck her, causing her to collapse.

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Emmanuel further told the police that he subsequently used a machete to inflict injuries on her wrist, head and neck.

The police said the latest investigation revealed that the suspect’s account went beyond the initial allegation that he had used a pestle. According to the command, he also allegedly used a machete during the incident.

After the alleged killing, Emmanuel said he wrapped Ugwu’s body in a black nylon bag and moved it into the toilet of the apartment. He said he then locked the toilet and the master bedroom before leaving.

The remains were later discovered after neighbours reportedly noticed an offensive odour coming from the apartment. The neighbours forced their way inside and found the decomposing body.

Police had earlier said Emmanuel was apprehended by residents and was subsequently rescued from an angry mob before being re-arrested by officers attached to the Awkunanaw Division.

The remains were evacuated to a mortuary for preservation and autopsy, while the investigation continued. (Premium Times Nigeria)

During the police interview, Emmanuel also admitted damaging Ugwu’s Samsung phone, saying he feared that it could be used to trace him. He said her iPhone had already been switched off after she complained that it was faulty.

The suspect said he first met Ugwu through Facebook in 2023 and that they resumed their relationship after she returned to Enugu in 2026. He claimed that he intended to marry her and had discussed the relationship with her mother.

Emmanuel also suggested that he was not fully aware of his actions at the time of the incident and appealed for forgiveness and mercy.

However, Ugwu’s family has disputed reports that she was killed simply because of an HIV-related disagreement, insisting that the circumstances surrounding her death require a thorough and independent investigation.

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Her immediate elder sister, Kenechi Maryam, said members of the family were present during an interview involving Emmanuel and the Commissioner of Police. She said the suspect’s accounts about the injuries and weapons allegedly used raised questions that the family wanted investigators to resolve.

According to the family, Emmanuel initially spoke about using a pestle but later mentioned a machete when questioned about injuries to Ugwu’s head and neck.

The family has called on the police, medical personnel and other relevant authorities to establish the actual cause of death, the nature of the injuries and what weapon or object caused them.

The family has also urged journalists and members of the public not to treat the alleged HIV dispute as an established motive until investigators have completed their work. (ThisDay.com.ng)

The Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, Mamman Bitrus Giwa, has assured Ugwu’s parents and siblings that justice would be served. The command said the victim’s family had been identified and interviewed as part of the ongoing investigation.

The commissioner has directed investigators to conclude the case and ensure that the suspect is charged to court after the investigation.

The police have also urged members of the public, particularly young women, to inform trusted relatives or friends of their whereabouts when visiting or spending time with people they know.

The allegations against Emmanuel remain subject to investigation and possible court proceedings, while the circumstances surrounding Ugwu’s death have yet to be fully established.

Enugu Man Recounts How HIV Argument Allegedly Led to Girlfriend’s Death

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Court Remands Man Accused of Impersonating JAMB Registrar in Kuje Prison

Published

3 hours ago

October 2, 2026

Trends Admin

Arinze Nwogba

Court Remands Man Accused of Impersonating JAMB Registrar in Kuje Prison

The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of Arinze Nwogba in the Kuje Correctional Centre over allegations that he impersonated the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Segun Aina.

Justice Salim Ibrahim ordered that Nwogba remain in custody pending a ruling on his bail application. The court fixed October 7, 2026, for ruling on the bail request and October 19 for the commencement of trial. (Vanguard News)

The case was brought by the Inspector-General of Police in a six-count charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/612/2026. The charge was dated September 18 and filed on September 21, 2026.

Nwogba, who was arraigned before the court, pleaded not guilty to all six counts.

The police alleged that Nwogba and other suspects still at large fraudulently impersonated the JAMB Registrar in 2026 by using Prof. Aina’s name and photograph on platforms including WhatsApp, Truecaller and LinkedIn.

According to the prosecution, the alleged syndicate used the identity to approach unsuspecting members of the public with purported offers of government and JAMB-related contracts.

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Investigators alleged that the suspects directed prospective victims to communicate through a WhatsApp number and claimed that the Federal Ministry of Education had approved the supply of 200 HP laptops as part of a digitisation programme.

The prosecution further alleged that victims were asked to pay N900,000 as an initial processing or “handshake” fee, with another N3 million allegedly demanded for payments purportedly meant for senior officials in the Ministry of Education.

Police investigations reportedly led to Nwogba’s arrest in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, in August.

The prosecution told the court that Nwogba allegedly operated under the name Dr Stephen Igwe and provided bank details to facilitate the alleged transactions.

Investigators also alleged that an Access Bank account linked to a deceased person was provided for the payment of the requested money. Police said Nwogba told investigators that the account belonged to his late nephew, who died in April 2026 and was buried in July.

The police further alleged that Nwogba admitted forwarding the account details to a cousin identified as Nnabuife Nwekpa, whom investigators described as the alleged principal suspect in the operation.

Nwekpa remains at large, according to the prosecution, while efforts are reportedly ongoing to arrest him.

The case followed a petition by the JAMB Registrar concerning the alleged unauthorised use of his identity and photograph to deceive members of the public.

At Friday’s proceedings, Nwogba’s lawyer, Christian Ejike, urged the court to grant his client bail on liberal terms. The prosecution opposed the application, arguing that there was a risk that the defendant could evade trial if released.

The prosecution also told the court that its witnesses and exhibits were ready and that it was prepared to proceed with the case.

Justice Ibrahim, after hearing arguments from both sides, adjourned the bail ruling to October 7 and fixed October 19 for trial.

The allegations against Nwogba remain before the court, and his plea of not guilty means that the prosecution must prove the charges beyond reasonable doubt.

Court Remands Man Accused of Impersonating JAMB Registrar in Kuje Prison

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Police Identify 27-Year-Old NYSC Graduate Allegedly Killed by Boyfriend

Published

4 hours ago

October 2, 2026

Trends Admin

Enugu State Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa

Police Identify 27-Year-Old NYSC Graduate Allegedly Killed by Boyfriend

The Enugu State Police Command has identified a 27-year-old woman allegedly killed by her boyfriend as Chinyere Rosemary Ugwu, a graduate of Medical Laboratory Science from the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu.

Ugwu, who recently completed her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme, was allegedly killed by her boyfriend, 30-year-old Okpara Chibuike Emmanuel, in Enugu.

The suspect was arrested after the discovery of Ugwu’s remains at his residence in the Olympic Layout, One-Day area of Enugu.

According to the police, the incident allegedly occurred on September 19, 2026. Ugwu’s remains were reportedly discovered after neighbours became suspicious of an offensive odour coming from the suspect’s apartment.

The police said neighbours forced the door open and found the deceased’s remains concealed in the toilet. Emmanuel was reportedly apprehended by residents before police officers arrived and took him into custody.

The command had earlier alleged that an argument between the couple over claims relating to HIV infection preceded the incident. Police said the suspect told investigators that he struck Ugwu on the head with a pestle during the confrontation.

However, the circumstances surrounding the death remain under investigation, and the suspect’s account has not been established as fact by a court.

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Ugwu’s remains were reportedly taken to a mortuary for preservation and autopsy as investigators work to establish the circumstances and cause of her death. The police have not announced the outcome of the autopsy.

In a fresh update, the Enugu police command said investigators had established the identity of the deceased and identified her parents and siblings, who were subsequently interviewed as part of the investigation.

The Commissioner of Police, Mamman Giwa, also met with members of Ugwu’s family and the suspect. The commissioner assured the family that the command would conduct a thorough investigation and pursue justice in accordance with the law.

The family has also reportedly called for a comprehensive investigation, questioning the suggestion that the alleged killing should be attributed solely to an HIV-related disagreement.

The police said Emmanuel has been interviewed by investigators as efforts continue to establish the full circumstances surrounding Ugwu’s death.

The command urged members of the public, particularly women, to remain vigilant in their relationships and when meeting people they know. It advised people to keep trusted relatives or friends informed about their whereabouts and to take warning signs in potentially dangerous situations seriously.

The police said further information would be released as the investigation progresses.