Unqualified Nurse Arraigned After Her Private Patient Dies

 

Yesterday, May 12, 2014, it was heard before the Magistrate's court in Ebute-Metta, Lagos that a 44-year-old woman who claims to be a certified auxiliary nurse and works in a medical centre, Caroline Okoye had allegedly killed one Ephraim Omeugo while administering false medical treatment on him at her residence at the Ijaiye area of Lagos State.

The dead victim, Omeugo who was ill and wanted to visit the state's General Hospital because of the severity of his illness was discouraged by a relative of his who advised him to visit his own medical centre.  Following his relative's advise, he got to the medical centre where he met Mrs Okoye who worked as a nurse.

She reportedly asked the 42-year-old Omeugo to meet her at her home, where she treated him and administered the drugs. After taking the drugs, it was learnt that Omeugo asked for a bottle of soft drink, after which he fainted. He was immediately taken to the medical centre where he died, although the cause of death is yet to be revealed.

Okoye was arrested on one count of reckless and negligent acts. The charge reads;

“That you, Caroline Okoye, on April 16, 2014 at about 8am at 144, Powerline Road, Ijaiye Lagos, in the Lagos Magisterial District, without being a qualified medical doctor or nurse, did recklessly and negligently give medical treatment to one Ephraim Omeugo, aged 42 years.” 

Having pleaded not guilty to the charge, Mrs. Okoye's counsel, E.O.Udoagwa applied for her bail in liberal terms and same was granted by the Chief Magistrate, Mrs. E.B. Daodu in the sum of N100,000 with one surety;
“The surety must be gainfully employed in a reputable organisation, with evidence of tax payment to Lagos State for three years. The address of the surety must be verified. The defendant is hereby ordered to be remanded pending the time the bail conditions will be met,” she added.

The police prosecutor, Richard Odige, said the offence was punishable under section 249 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, Nigeria, 2011.

The case has been adjourned till June 30, 2014.