Autopsy Clears Benin Hospital Of Wrongdoing In Premature Twins’ Death

An autopsy report released on November 3, 2025, has cleared Med-Vical Medical Centre in Benin City, Edo State, of any wrongdoing in the death of a pair of referred severely-ill and extremely premature babies.

The investigation, initiated by the Edo State Police Command, followed widespread allegations of negligence and malpractice by the babies’ parents against the hospital in August 2025.

According to the report, which was conducted on September 4, 2025, by a team of four independent pathologists: Dr. Ducan Iyawe, Dr. D.E Imasogie, Dr. K.O Abinokhauno, and Dr Ijomone, one of whom was the Police pathologist, the baby died of natural causes.

The findings listed the cause of death as foetal squames in the lungs leading to respiratory distress, acute foetal asphyxia, neonatal sepsis and bronchopneumonia

“The autopsy has shown clearly that the baby died of natural causes and there was in fact no case of negligence, secrecy, or any form of malpractice as alleged,” the report stated.

The medical team emphasised that all the babis’ organs were intact and that death resulted from complications associated with extreme prematurity and severe illness.

The twin babies were originally delivered prematurely in another hospital, referred to another private facility before subsequent referral to Med-Vical Medical Centre for advanced neonatal intensive care and life support.

Despite the hospital’s intervention, the newborn babies could not survive the severe complications linked to their early birth and critical conditions.

Recall that the parents, Mr Jerry Sylvester and Mrs. Edwina Jerry, had earlier petitioned the Edo State Commissioner of Police, accusing Med-Vical of professional misconduct and concealment. Their allegations circulated widely on social media and were reported by several news outlets, prompting the Police to order a formal autopsy to ascertain the cause of death of the babies.

The autopsy process was witnessed by all relevant parties, including family members of the deceased babies, human rights activists, lawyers, Med-Vical officials, and a representative of the Edo State Commissioner of Police.

The final report was read in the presence of the Edo State Commissioner of Police, the Ministry of Health, and the Nigerian Medical Association (Edo State Chapter).

Reacting to the report on Wednesday, Ms. Onyedikachi Nwizu, speaking on behalf of Med-Vical Medical Centre’s Management, in a statement, expressed relief at the findings, insisting that the allegations were “false, malicious, and devilish.”

She disclosed that though pained by the loss of the babies, the hospital had instructed its legal team to take steps to redeem its reputation, which had been “seriously dented” by the false accusations.

Furthermore, the hospital reiterated its commitment to “quality healthcare delivery in line with global best practices.”

Nwizu added that Med-Vical would continue to focus on its mission of saving lives and improving population health through expert clinical services, free health outreaches, and free training.