The Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has granted bail to two medical practitioners, Dr. Jude Okpani, a gynecologist, and Dr. Isaiah-Tunde Akinlade, an anesthesiologist, who are facing charges of manslaughter and negligence. The doctors are accused of causing the death of Rebekah Tamunotorukubu-Sekidika, a promising 24-year-old first-class graduate of Microbiology from Benson Idahosa University, who was preparing to pursue a master’s degree in the United Kingdom.
According to the charges filed by the Rivers State Government through the Ministry of Justice, the incident occurred on February 2, 2024, at a clinic in Port Harcourt. The prosecution alleges that the doctors failed to administer the required dose of local spinal anesthesia to Rebekah during a medical procedure, resulting in a uterine rupture and ultimately her death. The alleged actions are said to violate Section 325 of the Rivers State Criminal Code of 1999.
Appearing in court, the doctors pleaded not guilty to the charges. Their counsel, C.T. Walter, submitted an oral application for bail, which was not opposed by the prosecution counsel, Christiana Tombari Bodo, a Senior State Counsel in the Ministry of Justice. However, Bodo urged the court to impose stringent conditions due to the sensitive nature of the case.
After considering the arguments, the presiding judge, Justice Jumbo Stephens, granted the defendants bail, setting the sum at N1m each. The court also stipulated that the sureties must be the Chairman and Secretary of the Rivers State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association. The sureties are required to provide two passport photographs, verifiable addresses, and photocopies of valid identification, such as a driver’s license, international passport, or voter card, to be deposited with the court.
Additionally, the defendants are required to submit two copies of their passport photographs to the court registry as part of the bail conditions. Justice Stephens then adjourned the case for definite hearing on January 20 and 27, 2025.
The tragic death of Miss Tamunotorukubu-Sekidika, described by friends and family as a brilliant and driven individual, has left many in mourning. Her bright future was tragically cut short, as she had been preparing for a move to the United Kingdom to further her education. The case continues to spark public interest, given the involvement of the medical community and the circumstances surrounding the incident.
