Family and Lagos Hospital Clash Over Maternal Death Following Childbirth

Tensions have escalated between the family of Mrs Akubo Lovelyn John and Gynescope Specialist Hospital, Lagos, after the mother-of-one died hours after giving birth at the facility.

The John family has accused hospital staff of negligence, alleging that her deteriorating condition was mishandled and that she was referred to another hospital too late. Mr Justice John, the husband, claims that despite paying nearly ₦1.2 million for delivery services, the hospital failed to properly manage complications following a 4.2kg baby delivery, a case medically classified as fetal macrosomia.

According to John, his wife began bleeding shortly after birth. “There was a clear 15-hour window between the delivery and her death. Five pints of blood were transfused without identifying the bleeding source, yet the flow persisted,” he said. He also alleged that she fell while being moved on a stretcher.

John is demanding an investigation from the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, Lagos State government, and other regulatory authorities, calling for accountability to prevent similar tragedies.

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has thrown its support behind the family, with Chairman Mrs Uchenna Akingbade and Dr Tolu Aderemi urging a thorough probe into the incident.

The hospital, through Prof. Jude Okohue, denied negligence, stating that the patient was stabilized before referral and that all medical procedures were carried out appropriately. He also dismissed claims of a fall, explaining that the patient chose to go to the toilet and was assisted promptly. The hospital has welcomed a coroner’s inquest and autopsy by LASUTH to clarify the circumstances of the death.

The incident highlights ongoing concerns about maternal healthcare standards in Nigeria and raises questions about accountability and patient safety in private hospitals.