Trial of Two Doctors Begins Over Alleged Involuntary Manslaughter of Patient Ejiro Ugorobi

The Lagos State Government has commenced the trial of two medical doctors, Michael Atiba and Michael Ugbeye, in connection with the death of a patient, Ejiro Ugorobi. The trial is taking place at the Lagos State Ikeja High Court under the supervision of Justice Oyindamola Ogala.

Both doctors were arraigned on March 25, 2024, on charges of involuntary manslaughter following Ugorobi’s death. The defendants, Atiba, a physician at Gbagada General Hospital, and Ugbeye, a consultant at the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, have both pleaded not guilty.

According to the prosecution's counsel, A. O. Azeez, the incident occurred on October 21, 2023, at Michael Adekoya Street, Ilupeju, Lagos. The deceased's mother, Nkechi Ugorobi, was the prosecution's first witness and testified about her son's injury, medical treatment, and eventual passing.

Nkechi recounted that on September 9, 2023, her son had injured his leg while playing football for exercise. The deceased, a 29-year-old electrical engineer, informed his mother that he had fallen and needed to seek medical treatment from Ugbeye at Morningside Specialist Hospital. A test later confirmed that he had a torn ligament.

Nkechi explained that although her son worked from home after the injury and seemed to be recovering, he still required additional medical tests and complained of persistent pain. On October 21, 2023, he underwent a non-invasive surgery, which initially appeared to be successful, but shortly after the procedure, Ejiro began experiencing complications such as palpitations, shortness of breath, and weakness. Tragically, he passed away later that day.

Justice Ogala has adjourned the case until November 20, 2024, for the cross-examination of the prosecution's second witness.