Trial of Medical Doctors, Michael Atiba & Michael Ugbeye Suffers Set Back
The trial of two medical doctors, Michael Atiba and Michael Ugbeye, before the High Court of Lagos State, Ikeja, presided over by Justice Oyindamola Ogala, over the alleged involuntary manslaughter of a patient, Ejiro Ugorobi, did not proceed due to the absence of a witness.
When the trial was set to commence, the prosecution informed the judge that the witness meant to testify in the case couldn’t make it to court due to ill health.
As a result, Justice Ogala adjourned the trial until October 7, 2024.
It should be noted that the Lagos State Government had on March 25, 2024, brought charges against the medical doctors for their alleged involvement in the involuntary manslaughter of the deceased patient.
Specifically, Atiba, a doctor at the Gbagada General Hospital, and Dr. Michael, a Consultant with the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, Lagos, faced a charge of involuntary manslaughter brought against them by the Lagos State Government.
During the arraignment, the counsel for the Lagos State Government, A. O. Azeez, informed Justice Ogala that the incident occurred on October 21, 2023.
The lawyer also told the court that the incident took place at No. 20, Michael Adekoya Street, Ilupeju, Lagos State, adding that Atiba and Michael unlawfully caused the death of Ugorobi by the wrongful application of medication before and after surgery.
According to Azeez, the alleged offence contravenes Section 224 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
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The medical doctors pleaded not guilty to the charge, leading Justice Ogala to schedule a trial date.
Azeez stated, “Given the defendants’ plea, we are asking for a trial date.”
Meanwhile, the lawyers for the defendants presented their bail applications, both dated March 21 and 22, 2023, respectively.
Dr. Atiba’s counsel, in particular, informed the judge that he filed a bail application dated March 22, 2024, and urged the court to grant Atiba bail on liberal terms, emphasizing that he is a medical doctor whose aim is to save lives.
The counsel for the second defendant, A. O. Fayemi, while moving the bail application dated March 21, 2024, asked the judge to grant his client bail on self-recognizance, highlighting the defendant’s 30 years of service as a Consultant Orthopaedic.
In a bench ruling, Justice Ogala granted the defendants bail in the sum of N5m each, with two sureties each in like sum.
The judge also directed that the sureties must be residents within the court’s jurisdiction, provide credible home and office addresses, and have credible financial status.
Justice Ogala ordered the sureties to present their BVN and NIN, evidence of payment of tax to the Lagos State Government, and explain their relationship with the defendants.
