By Victoria Tokolo
The Medical and Dental Practitioners Investigation Panel has found no prima facie case of professional misconduct against five doctors linked to the death of Mrs. Lovelyn Akudo John at Gynescope Specialist Hospital, while referring Dr. Joseph Aliyu Yahaya to the Medical and Dental Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal for further proceedings.
The decisions, contained in an official communication dated October 5, 2026, come as the Lagos State Coroner’s Court continues its inquest into the circumstances surrounding Mrs. John’s death.
According to the communication, the panel found no prima facie case against Professor Jude Ehiabhi Okohue, proprietor of Gynescope Specialist Hospital; Dr. Adeyi Taiwo Olugbenga; Dr. Chukwuebuka Igbokwe; Dr. Olawale Enigbokan; and Dr. Owoseni Taiwo.
However, Dr. Yahaya, who was involved in the deceased patient’s management, was referred to the tribunal after the panel determined that the allegations against him warranted further examination.
The referral does not constitute a finding of guilt or proof of professional negligence. Dr. Yahaya remains entitled to present his defence, while the tribunal will consider the allegations through the applicable disciplinary process.
Similarly, the decision not to refer the five other practitioners means that the panel found insufficient grounds for disciplinary referral at that stage. It should not be interpreted as a final judicial determination of every question surrounding the case
The panel’s findings do not independently establish whether Gynescope Specialist Hospital bears legal responsibility for Mrs. John’s death. Institutional liability and medical negligence must be assessed against the relevant evidence and applicable legal principles.
The ongoing coroner’s inquest remains important in examining the circumstances of the death and addressing outstanding questions.
Mrs. John’s family retains the right to pursue accountability through lawful channels, while the practitioners concerned are entitled to due process.
Ultimately, the public interest requires accurate reporting, fairness to all parties and a clear distinction between preliminary regulatory findings and final determinations of responsibility. Outstanding issues must be resolved through the appropriate legal and regulatory processes
