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From Tony Osauzo, Benin
An autopsy report released on November 3 has laid to rest the controversy surrounding the death of twin babies who were born premature in Benin City, the Edo State capital.
The report cleared Med-Vical Medical Centre in Benin City of any wrongdoing in the death of the babies who were severely ill and referred to the medical facility.
The investigation, initiated by the Edo State Police Command, followed widespread allegations of negligence and malpractice by the babies’ parents in August this year.
The report, which was conducted on 4 September 2025 by a team of four independent pathologists: Dr. Duncan Iyawe, Dr. D.E. Imasogie, Dr. K.O. Abinokhauno, and Dr. Ijomone, one of whom was the Police pathologist, stated that the babies 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 babies died of natural causes and there was in fact no case of negligence, secrecy, or any form of malpractice as alleged,” the report added.
The medical team emphasised that all the babies’ 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 infants 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.
The autopsy process was reportedly transparent and 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, Ms. Onyedikachi Nwizu speaking on behalf of Med-Vical Medical Centre’s Management, in a statement expressed relief at the findings but described the allegations as “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.
Besides, the hospital reiterated its commitment to “quality healthcare delivery in line with global best practices.”
Med-Vical Medical Centre, Nwizu said, would continue to focus on its mission of saving lives and improving population health through expert clinical services, free health outreaches, and free training and capacity building programmes for healthcare workers in the state and environs.
