TheCable

The federal capital territory authority (FCTA) says Olorunfemi Greatness, a victim of a “one chance” robbery, was already dead when she was brought to the Maitama hospital in Abuja.

“One chance” is a type of robbery in which unsuspecting passengers are lured into commercial vehicles whose occupants are robbers, who attack and strip the victims of all their valuables.

On September 26, Greatness was said to have been pushed down from a moving vehicle, believed to be a “one chance car” along the Maitama-Kubwa expressway.

She was reported to have been severely injured and was rushed to the hospital, for medical treatment.

However, she was allegedly rejected by the officers on duty at the healthcare facility, who insisted on having a police report.

She was reported to have died moments later.

Reacting to the development in a statement on Monday, Buhari Yakasai, assistant director of the FCTA health services and environment secretariat (HSES), ssid the administration received information that the victim was brought to the hospital dead.

“Information (including video footage) with respect to the death of a woman alleging negligence and failures of the medical team at Maitama District Hospital has come to the attention of the Office of the Mandate Secretary- Health Services & Environment,” the statement reads.

“The information alleges that the victim was brought to the facility at approximately 8.35 PM on 26th September, 2023.

“The Secretariat and Mandate Secretary Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe commiserate and extend heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased as a first matter.

“In addition, upon learning of the development, the Secretary immediately visited Maitama District Hospital which was at about 1:00 A.M 29th September 2023 after calling the Medical Director of the facility and requesting an immediate meeting at the hospital in an unscheduled visit.

“The Medical Director Dr. Imuentinyan Igbinovia provided a verbal report of what transpired which included information that the victim was brought in dead.

“In the circumstances, and for clarity, the Secretary requested an autopsy and preparation for a Coroner’s Inquest to ascertain both the cause and circumstances of the death of the victim.

“The Secretary has been in active and constant communication with relevant parties including the family, the Police, FCCPC and others with a view to ensuring the case is properly investigated.

“As such, the Secretariat has set up an independent investigative panel with the Nigerian Police and other stakeholders to fully investigate the case, and to ensure justice is served.

“The victim was thrown out of a moving vehicle and taken to hospital by good Samaritans. We implore the general public to be vigilant and exercise caution while admonishing security agencies to strengthen security and protection measures across the FCT.

“Whilst awaiting the outcome of the investigations, the Secretariat seeks patience and discretion until the investigations are concluded.”