Court Grants Bail To Two Doctors Accused Of Manslaughter In Rivers State

The Rivers State High Court, sitting in Port Harcourt, has granted bail to two doctors facing charges of manslaughter and negligence in the death of Rebekah Tamunotorukubu-Sekidika, a 24-year-old first-class graduate of Microbiology from Benson Idahosa University. The doctors, Dr. Jude Okpani, a gynecologist, and Dr. Isaiah-Tunde Akinlade, an anesthesiologist, were arraigned by the Rivers State Government through the Ministry of Justice.

Charges Against the Doctors

The accused are alleged to have, on February 2, 2024, at a clinic in Port Harcourt, negligently administered an inadequate dose of spinal anesthesia during a medical procedure, resulting in a uterine rupture that caused Rebekah’s death. The charges, brought under Section 325 of the Criminal Code of Rivers State (1999), carry serious legal consequences if proven.

Bail Conditions

Presiding over the matter, Justice Jumbo Stephens granted bail to the defendants in the sum of N1 million each, along with stringent conditions:

•The Chairman and Secretary of the Nigerian Medical Association (Rivers State Chapter) must stand as sureties.

•Sureties are required to provide two passport photographs, verified residential addresses, and valid identification such as a driver’s license, passport, or voter card.

•The accused must also deposit two passport photographs with the court registrar.

The prosecution, led by Christiana Tombari Bodo, a Senior State Counsel, did not oppose the bail application but requested strict conditions due to the sensitivity of the case.

Background of the Victim

The victim, Rebekah Tamunotorukubu-Sekidika, was a promising young scholar preparing to pursue a Master’s degree in the United Kingdom when the incident occurred. Her untimely death has drawn significant attention, with her family and the public seeking justice.

Next Steps

The court has adjourned the case to January 20 and 27, 2025, for a definite hearing, setting the stage for the trial of the two doctors who pleaded not guilty to the charges.

This case underscores the importance of accountability and due diligence in medical practice while highlighting the need for a fair and transparent judicial process.