Lagos Arraigns Doctor, Wife For Fixing Plaster of Paris Too Tight on Patient
The Lagos State government yesterday arraigned the medical director of Excel Medical Centre in Dolphin Estate, Ikoyi, and his doctor wife before a Lagos High Court, Igbosere on a three-count charge of causing grievous harm, recklessness and negligence.
The suspects are Dr. Ejike Ferdinand Orji and Dr. (Mrs) Ifeayinwa Grace Orji. They were arraigned before Justice Babatunde Sunmonu by prosecutor, Babatunde Sunmonu. Upon arraignment, the respondents pleaded not guilty to the charge. Following their plea, the prosecutor asked the court for a trial date and that the accused be remanded in prison custody pending their trial.
They were not orthopaedic specialists but fixed Plaster of Paris (POP) cast too tightly on patient’s leg.
However, counsel to the defendants, Mr. K.C. Okho, told the court that he has a bail application and that the prosecutor has been served. He appealed to the court to allow him move same. After arguments on the bail application by parties, Justice Akintoye granted them bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties. Justice Akintoye adjourned the matter till Monday, June 3, for further direction.
In the three counts charge, Orji and his wife were alleged to have on or about July 26, 2018 at Excel Medical Centre, Plot 458, Corporate Drive, Dolphin Estate, Ikoyi, caused one Somtochukwu Ezi-Ashi (male) grievous harm by fixing a Plaster of Paris (POP) cast too tightly on his leg.
The accused director and his wife were also alleged to have at the same time not being an orthopaedic specialists recklessly administered orthopaedic treatment to Ezi-Ashi. Count three of the charge alleged that the defendant at their medical centre were negligent in administering treatment on Ezi-Ashi, thereby causing him harm to his leg.The offence committed is said to be contrary to section 251 (1) (c) of the criminal code C17 Volume 3 Laws of Lagos State , 2015.
Source:Guardian Newspaper
