Fake doctor, nurse arraigned for causing death of patient

A self proclaimed nurse identified as Abdulkareem Shehu and a Doctor, Dr Farajimakin Olugbenga, were on Tuesday arraigned before an Ikeja High Court, Lagos for allegedly causing the death of their patient, one Eunice Omokhudu.

The medical practitioners, who both pleaded not guilty, were arraigned on a three count of involuntary manslaughter, gross negligence and reckless disregard for human life.

The prosecuting officer, M.T Adewoye, told the court that the incident occurred on June 5, 2016 at House No 14, William Akintunde Street, Abule Egba, Lagos.

According to the charge, Shehu illegally portrayed himself as medical doctor and operated in a clinic, Glorious Mercy Clinic, which was not duly registered.

It was further stated that Shehu admitted patients into his clinic and often times requested for his friend, Dr Olugbenga’s assistance in running tests and other medical checkups on admitted patients.

It was also learnt that Shehu admitted the deceased into his clinic where she died over an undisclosed ailment. And thereafter issued a false statement for the purpose of registration of death regarding the deceased.

However, the 2nd defendant, Olugbenga’s, who was alleged to be former medical doctor at the Lagos State teaching hospital, claimed in his statement that he was unaware that Shehu was not a doctor.

He stated that he didn’t know that Shehu was not a certified doctor but a nurse and that he only assisted him as a friend in the same profession.

The presiding judge, Justice Hakeem Oshodi, however, permitted the defendants to continue with the bail term which was granted them by a Magistrate Court, Lagos.

The matter was further adjourned till November 27 for trial.