NBA Demands Investigation into Death of Woman Who Died After Childbirth in Lagos
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Lagos Branch, has called for an urgent and thorough probe into the death of Mrs. Akudo John, who passed away just hours after giving birth at Gynescope Specialist Hospital, Ikate Elegushi, Lekki, Lagos.
The call was made on Tuesday during a press briefing attended by the deceased’s husband, Mr. Justice John, and Mrs. Uchenna Akingbade, Chairman of the NBA, Lagos Branch.
Justice John described his wife’s death as “sad, painful, and completely avoidable,” alleging medical negligence, inadequate emergency response, and contradictory statements from hospital staff. He said the couple had attended regular antenatal care at the hospital from the 13th week of pregnancy, and all tests had shown that Mrs. John was healthy with no underlying conditions.
Concerns about the baby’s size were raised during antenatal visits, but assurances from consultant gynaecologist Dr. Joseph Yahaya ruled out the need for an elective Caesarean Section. The baby ultimately weighed 4.2kg, a condition classified as fetal macrosomia. Despite Justice John’s concerns, he was reassured that delivery would be safe.
Following a spontaneous vaginal delivery on December 3, 2025, Mrs. John reportedly suffered continuous bleeding and severe pain, which her husband claims were mismanaged. “She complained of heavy internal bleeding, initially dismissed as piles. Even after acknowledging internal bleeding, no urgent referral was made during the 15 hours before her death,” Justice John said.
He alleged that five pints of blood were transfused without identifying the bleeding source, and that at around 3 a.m., his wife began convulsing. According to him, there was no oxygen available in the ward, and no medical personnel attended to her until he called for help. He also accused the hospital of a chaotic emergency response, claiming his wife fell from a stretcher and that the ambulance was not fully operational.
Mrs. John was eventually transferred to Lagos Island Maternity Hospital, where she was pronounced dead on arrival. While the hospital cited cardiac arrest as the cause of death on her death certificate, an autopsy at LUTH confirmed haemorrhagic shock as the cause.
Justice John stated that petitions had been sent to the Lagos State Ministry of Health, the Hospital Management Board, and the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, calling for disciplinary action against the medical staff involved. “This burden is heavy, but life is sacred. I will not rest until justice is served,” he said.
Supporting his call, NBA Lagos Branch Chairman Mrs. Uchenna Akingbade said the association is committed to ensuring accountability. “Our mandate includes the protection of human rights and the rule of law. Every citizen has a right to life,” she said, emphasizing that the hospital had ample time—about 15 hours—to manage the emergency.
Akingbade urged relevant authorities to investigate the matter, stressing that fair hearing and justice must be served. “It is Mrs. Lovelyn John today; it could be anyone tomorrow,” she added.
Responding to the allegations, Prof. Jude Okohue, Proprietor of Gynescope Specialist Hospital, described the incident as “very unfortunate” but denied negligence. He insisted Mrs. John did not die from vaginal bleeding, explaining that the fatal bleeding was internal and from the gastrointestinal tract, not the vagina.
Prof. Okohue said: “The maximum vaginal blood loss was about 450 millilitres. What caused her death was black blood from deep within the gastrointestinal tract, not the delivery itself. There was no obstructed labour or indication for a Caesarean Section.”
He also denied claims that Mrs. John fell from a stretcher or was abandoned by hospital staff, stating that she collapsed only while attempting to go to the restroom. He confirmed that the hospital supported the autopsy process and rejected allegations of a cover-up.
“Sometimes tragic medical events occur despite all efforts,” he added, noting that the hospital’s actions were aimed at stabilizing the patient amid unusual and alarming symptoms.
