Patient Dies After Hernia Surgery At Unregistered Abuja Clinic

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has sealed off an unregistered clinic, Dada’s Clinic and Maternity, operating illegally in Kapwa, Gaube Community, in the Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory.

Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Adviser on Public Communication and New Media to FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, revealed on Monday that the facility was sealed by FCTA’s Private Health Establishments Registration and Monitoring Committee.

The shutdown followed an investigation led by the Director of Medical and Diagnostics Department acting on directives of Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, the Mandate Secretary, Health and Environment Secretariat.

The investigation, conducted on February 2, 2025, was led by reports of unsafe medical practices at the facility.

Findings revealed the death of a community elder after a hernia operation performed at the clinic, as well as multiple cases of patients barely surviving procedures.

Olayinka stated that, upon arrival, officials discovered that Dada’s Clinic and Maternity was operating in a rented, unfit apartment, disguised as a medical outreach center.

He noted that the dilapidated structure lacked basic medical amenities, with no reception area, nursing station, bathroom, or toilet. The building, he said has its burglar-proof iron entrance, was windowless, doorless, and unsanitary.

“On February 2, 2025, at approximately 15:32, a team led by the Director of the Medical and Diagnostics Department, acting on the directives of the Mandate Secretary, Health and Environment Secretariat, Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, visited Kapwa, Gaube Community (Gaube Ward), Kuje Area Council, to investigate allegations against Dada’s Clinic & Maternity Ltd.

“The facility was reported to be operating without registration and conducting medical procedures in a rented apartment unfit for healthcare services under the guise of a medical outreach. Preliminary findings indicated that a community elder tragically passed away following a hernia operation performed at the facility. Additionally, multiple reports emerged of patients who barely survived procedures and required emergency medical care elsewhere.

“Upon arrival, the team identified the facility, which was located along the main road leading to the community. The facility was in a dilapidated and unsanitary condition — an unpainted building with burglar-proof ironwork at the entrance, but lacking windows, doors, and basic amenities such as a reception area, nursing station, bathroom, or toilet. The structure had four rooms and a general area, including an unfinished extension in an unacceptable sanitary condition,” the statement read.

Olayinka stated that a man identified as Mr. Sabiu, who claimed to be the health worker in charge, admitted that the facility was not registered. At the time of the raid, three patients were found admitted, including an elderly person receiving intravenous infusion.

The clinic was sealed by authorities and referred all patients to Kuje General Hospital for proper care.

Mr. Sabiu was arrested and handed over to the Kuje Police Station further investigation.

The statement further read, “A man identified as Mr Sabiu introduced himself as the health worker managing the facility. At the time of the visit, three patients were on admission, including an elderly patient receiving intravenous infusion.

“All patients in the facility were confirmed to be stable and were referred to Kuje General Hospital for proper medical care. Consequently, the facility was sealed, and Mr Sabiu was handed over to the Kuje Police Station at approximately 18:00 for further investigation.”

Wike has vowed to crack down on all unregistered health facilities, and stated that there is “no excuse for illegal medical practice.”

He warned that such facilities would be shut down to protect residents from unsafe healthcare services.

“This is just the beginning,” Olayinka quoted the minister as saying and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring safe and regulated healthcare services in the FCT.

Patient Dies After Hernia Surgery At Unregistered Abuja Clinic is first published on The Whistler Newspaper