Rivers doctors get N2m bail in manslaughter case

Rivers doctors get N2m bail in manslaughter case.

Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt has granted bail to two medical doctors, Dr. Jude Okpani, a gynecologist, and Dr. Isiah-Tunde Akinlade, an anesthesiologist, who are standing trial for alleged manslaughter. The doctors were arraigned by the Rivers State Government on a two-count charge of manslaughter and negligence, alleging that they caused the death of a 24-year-old woman, Rebekah Tamunotorukubu-Sekidika, during a medical procedure at a clinic in Port Harcourt.

The court granted bail to the doctors in the sum of N1 million each, with two sureties who must be the Chairman and Secretary of the Nigeria Medical Association, Rivers State Chapter. The sureties must provide two passport photographs, with their addresses verified by an official of the court, and deposit photocopies of either a valid driver's license, international passport, or voter's card.

The trial judge, Justice Jumbo Stephens, adjourned the matter to January 20 and 27, 2025, for a 'definite' hearing. The doctors had pleaded not guilty to the charges, and their counsel had orally applied for bail, which was not opposed by the prosecution counsel.