Two Medical Doctors Arraigned For Alleged Involuntary Manslaughter

Two medical doctors, Michael Atiba and Michael Ugbeye, were on Monday arraigned before an Ikeja High Court over alleged involuntary manslaughter of a patient, Ejiro Ugorobi.

Atiba, a doctor at the Gbagada General Hospital, and Ugbeye, a consultant with a national orthopaedic hospital, are facing a count charge of involuntary manslaughter levelled against them by the Lagos State Government.

The defendants however pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The State Counsel, Mr Olalekan Azeez, who told the court that the defendants allegedly committed the offence on Oct. 21, 2023, at about 12:30 p.m. at No. 20, Michael Adekoya St., Ilupeju, Lagos.

He noted that the defendants unlawfully caused the death of Ugorobi by neglecting the application of anaesthetics before and after surgery.

He asked for a trial date following their not guilty plea.

Meanwhile, counsel for the first defendant told the court that he filed a bail application dated March 22 and urged the court to grant Atiba bail on liberal terms.

“We are pleading that the first defendant be admitted to bail because he is a medical doctor and he is into the business of saving lives and not taking lives.

“He is not at any risk that he would not present himself for trial; I move in terms of the motion,” he said.

Similarly, second defence counsel, Mr A. O. Fayemi, moved the bail application dated March 21 and urged the court to grant his client bail on self-recognition.

“The second defendant is a consultant who has served this nation as a consultant orthopaedic with the National Orthopaedic Hospital.

“He is not a young man who would not attend court.

“He is a consultant medical practitioner, and he has a clinic at Ilupeju.

“He is a person who will present himself for trial, and I urge your lordship to grant him bail on libra terms,” he said.

Justice Oyindamola Ogala, in her ruling, granted the defendants five million naira each with two sureties each in like sum.

The judge adjourned the case until May 15 for the commencement of trial.