Prominent human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, has launched a public campaign for justice following the tragic death of his friend's wife, which he attributes to severe medical negligence at a private hospital in Lagos.
A Tragic Loss and a Call for Accountability
Inibehe Effiong took to social media platform X to share the heartbreaking story of his close friend, Justice John. The incident, which moved the lawyer to tears, involved the death of Justice's wife, Akudo Lovelyn John, after she gave birth to their child on December 3, 2025.
Effiong explained that he attended the couple's civil wedding just a year prior, on December 18, 2024. He described Justice John, known on X as @legalbreed01, as a good friend since their days at the Nigerian Law School in Lagos. Now, his friend is seeking justice for his late wife.
The Harrowing Account of Medical Failure
According to the detailed personal account shared by Justice John, his wife registered for antenatal care at Gynescope Specialist Hospital in Lekki and had no underlying illnesses. During her third trimester, the consultant, Dr. Joseph Aliyu Yahaya, noted the baby was large. The couple expressed concern and asked about a planned Cesarean Section, but the doctor insisted on a spontaneous vaginal delivery (SVD).
When Akudo went into labour on December 3, the consultant performed an episiotomy. She delivered a baby weighing 4.2kg. Immediately after, the consultant left the ward, and a subordinate performed the suturing.
Critical errors began to cascade. Akudo complained of a dripping sensation. The consultant later returned, found the vulva swollen and sutures too tight, and re-sutured her. After this, she became pale, unconscious, and continued bleeding internally for hours. The consultant confirmed internal bleeding but did not refer her to a specialist facility for 15 critical hours. A blood transfusion was administered without first stopping the source of the bleed.
By 3:00 a.m. on December 4, Akudo was convulsing with no medical staff present. When help arrived, there was no oxygen in her ward. Justice requested an immediate transfer, but the consultant initially refused, claiming no facility would accept her without a pulse.
Chaotic Evacuation and Final Journey
The evacuation was disastrous. The hospital used a stretcher without side guards, causing Akudo to fall onto a hard tiled floor. Staff were confused about whether to use stairs or an elevator, wasting precious time.
Outside, the ambulance was parked 80 metres away, covered with a tarpaulin. The keys were with the Human Resources manager, causing further delay. When opened, the driver needed to connect the battery. Throughout this, Akudo lay on a stretcher in the open, unattended and without oxygen.
The ambulance eventually left for what should have been a 15-minute trip to Lagos Island. It stopped twice and appeared lost. Justice led it to Lagos Island Maternity Hospital, where his wife was pronounced Dead on Arrival.
Contradictory Reports and Official Actions
Gynescope Specialist Hospital issued a death certificate citing Cardiac Arrest as the cause. However, an autopsy conducted at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) as part of a Coroner's Inquest gave the true cause: Hemorrhagic Shock due to postpartum hemorrhage.
Justice John has formally petitioned the Lagos State Government, the Honourable Commissioner for Health, and the Medical & Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN). He is demanding a thorough investigation into the events of December 3-4, 2025, at Gynescope Specialist Hospital, and calling for appropriate sanctions or criminal prosecution.
Inibehe Effiong's amplification of this case on social media, using the hashtag #JusticeForLovelyn, has brought significant public attention to the ongoing issue of medical negligence in Nigeria, particularly in maternal healthcare.
