Two doctors granted bail in Rivers over manslaughter case involving first class graduate

The Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt has granted bail to two doctors, Dr. Jude Okpani, a gynecologist, and Dr. Isaiah-Tunde Akinlade, an anesthesiologist, who are facing charges of manslaughter and negligence.

The charges relate to the death of Rebekah Tamunotorukubu-Sekidika, a 24-year-old first-class graduate of Microbiology, on February 2, 2024.

The prosecution, led by the Rivers State Ministry of Justice, alleged that the doctors’ failure to administer the correct dose of spinal anesthesia caused a uterine rupture during a medical procedure, resulting in Rebekah’s death.

The accused doctors pleaded not guilty to the charges. Their counsel, C.T. Walter, applied for bail, which the prosecution did not oppose but requested stringent conditions due to the sensitivity of the case.

Justice Jumbo Stephens granted bail at N1 million each, with conditions including:

Two sureties, specifically the Chairman and Secretary of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Rivers State Chapter.

Submission of two passport photographs and verified addresses of the sureties.

Depositing valid identification documents, such as a driving license, passport, or voter card, with the court.

The court set January 20 and 27, 2025, for a “definite” hearing.

Rebekah, who was preparing for a Master’s degree in the UK, tragically passed away before fulfilling her academic aspirations.