Man Detained After Assaulting Doctor Over Wife’s Death at Edo Hospital

A man named Christopher Owegie has been briefly detained by the Edo State Police Command after assaulting a medical doctor at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) following the death of his wife.

The incident occurred on April 6, 2024, when Owegie’s wife was admitted to the hospital in a state of coma and later passed away while receiving treatment.

According to a statement by the Commissioner of Police in the state, Funsho Adegboye, Owegie was enraged by the news of his wife’s death and accused the attending doctor, Dr. Osaretin Asemota, of being deceptive for prescribing expensive medicines when he knew the patient would eventually die.

Owegie was apprehended by the police and kept in safe custody for counseling before being released.

The Commissioner of Police has advised the public to adhere to the law in all circumstances and avoid being swayed by negative emotions when dealing with sensitive issues, particularly in public spaces.

He also urged the association of resident doctors at the hospital, who threatened to go on strike due to the assault, to consider the well-being of their patients and refrain from taking such action.

This incident highlights the importance of maintaining a respectful and professional relationship between medical professionals and patients’ families, especially during emotionally charged situations.

It also underscores the need for law enforcement to intervene and de-escalate tensions to prevent further harm or disruption to essential services.

The detention of Christopher Owegie serves as a reminder of the consequences of acting out of anger and the importance of resolving disputes through legal and non-violent means.

It remains to be seen how this incident will impact the relationship between medical professionals and patients’ families in Edo State and the broader medical community.