UMTH Faces Investigation Demand After Lawyer Alleges Negligence Led to Father’s Death
By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini
A legal practitioner and human rights activist, Hamza N. Dantani, Esq., has filed a formal petition against the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), accusing the facility of gross medical negligence, unprofessional conduct, and systemic failure that allegedly led to the avoidable death of his father, Alhaji Nuhu Dantani, on March 31, 2026.
The deceased, identified by hospital number 760494, was initially admitted at the Kidney Center, New VIP Extension of UMTH, where he underwent a prostate-related surgery and was discharged with a catheter. He was scheduled for a review on March 16, 2026.
However, following a rapid deterioration in his condition, Alhaji Dantani was rushed back to the hospital on March 13, 2026, and admitted to the Emergency Unit. According to the petition, he spent two days without any definitive diagnosis or meaningful clinical intervention despite being in severe distress.
The petitioner, who is also the biological son of the deceased, detailed a harrowing sequence of alleged failures:
1· After transfer to the Male VIP Medical Ward (Room 6), nursing staff reportedly administered only intravenous fluids without a coherent treatment plan, and attending physicians were conspicuously absent.
2· Following external intervention, the patient was moved to Amenity Ward “B”, Room 8, under Dr. Hassan Dogo. The Gastroenterology (GIT) Unit was invited but allegedly failed to respond for over 48 hours, with one member reportedly admitting they “forgot” to attend.
3· When the Head of the GIT Unit eventually intervened, several alarming issues emerged, including:
4· Mismanagement of a nasogastric tube: Nursing staff allegedly administered about one liter of pap through a tube intended strictly for gastric decompression, worsening the patient’s condition.
5· Failure to conduct timely diagnostic tests, including abdominal X-ray or ultrasound.
6· Absence of oxygen supply in the Amenity Ward while the patient was in respiratory distress.
7· Delayed detection of fluid accumulation in the chest, identified only through late-stage ultrasound.
8· Lack of a functional mobile X-ray facility, causing critical diagnostic delays until oxygen saturation dropped below 60% just hours before death.
Beyond the immediate case, Dantani’s petition highlights systemic deficiencies at UMTH, including:
a· Pervasive lack of professionalism and poor patient care ethics
b· Breakdown in communication between medical teams
c· Absenteeism and irregular presence of doctors
d· Inadequate supervision of junior medical staff
e· Poor hygiene standards exposing patients to infections
f· Lack of empathy and compassion in patient management
The petitioner argues that these failures violate Section 33 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution (right to life) and breach established medical ethics standards for a tertiary healthcare institution.
Dantani has demanded the following:
1. An immediate, independent, and transparent investigation into his father’s death
2. Identification, sanction, and prosecution of all culpable individuals
3. A comprehensive audit of hospital protocols
4. Measures to address staff negligence and absenteeism
5. Provision and maintenance of essential medical equipment, including oxygen systems and mobile diagnostic tools
6. A formal written report with concrete corrective steps
The petitioner warned that failure to act promptly would result in escalation to the Federal Ministry of Health and the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), as well as all available legal remedies.
As of press time, UMTH authorities have not issued an official response to the petition.