By Aaior K. Comfort

The trial of two doctors, Michael Atiba and Michael Ugbeye, accused of involuntary manslaughter in connection with the death of a patient, Ejiro Ugorobi, has commenced at the Lagos State High Court, Ikeja. The case, presided over by Justice Oyindamola Ogala, involves charges of negligence following Ugorobi’s death after a non-invasive surgery in October 2023.

The Lagos State Government initially arraigned the two doctors on March 25, 2024. Atiba, a doctor from Gbagada General Hospital, and Ugbeye, a consultant at the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, both pleaded not guilty to the charge, which is in violation of Section 224 of the Lagos State Criminal Law.

According to the prosecution, led by A. O. Azeez, the incident occurred on October 21, 2023, after Ugorobi sustained a leg injury while playing football. Despite undergoing medical tests and a non-invasive procedure to treat a torn ligament, Ugorobi died following post-operative complications, including shortness of breath and palpitations.

During the trial, the first witness, Nkechi Ugorobi, mother of the deceased, testified about her son’s ordeal. She recounted how her son had initially felt better after his injury but later required additional treatment. On the day of the surgery, Ugorobi reported discomfort, nausea, and breathing issues before he passed away.

Justice Ogala adjourned the case to November 20, 2024, for further cross-examination of the prosecution’s witnesses.