The Federal Capital Territory Administration has launched a crackdown on unregistered hospitals and fake medical practitioners following the death of a pregnant woman at an illegal clinic in Abuja.
FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, issued the order after 35-year-old Chekwube Chinagorom died during a caesarean section performed at Afolmi Hospital, Durumi — a facility now confirmed to be operating without registration.
The minister’s spokesperson, Lere Olayinka, described the incident as tragic and preventable, urging residents to utilize the free healthcare services provided through the FCT Health Insurance Scheme (FHIS).
“In the FCT, pregnant women can access free maternity services, including emergency surgeries, at designated hospitals. There’s no reason to risk lives at illegal facilities,” Olayinka said.
An investigation by the Private Health Establishments Registration and Monitoring Committee revealed that only a junior health worker, Simon Elisha Godiya, was present during the botched surgery. The procedure was allegedly conducted by individuals without verified medical qualifications.
The case has since been transferred to the Nigeria Police, which has begun efforts to apprehend those responsible.
Wike emphasized that the FCT will intensify inspections and ensure that any illegal health facilities are shut down immediately to prevent future tragedies.
Meanwhile, the newborn delivered during the surgery survived and is receiving care at the Asokoro District Hospital.
