Avoidable Deaths: The tragic reality of hospitals rejecting patients over police reports, by Gift Luckson
Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu (“Sommie”), a 29-year-old anchor/reporter/producer with ARISE News based in Abuja, died during an armed robbery incident at her residence in Katampe on September 29, 2025.
According to several reports, in panic, she jumped from the top (third) floor of her building. She did not die immediately from the fall.
After the fall, eyewitnesses say she was taken to a public hospital (Maitama General Hospital), but allegedly denied immediate treatment. Hospital staff reportedly demanded identification documents and/or a police report before providing medical care.
The hospital rejection is claimed by her colleagues as a key factor that made her death preventable.
Somtochukwu is one of many victims of accidents and armed robbery whose deaths could have been prevented if hospitals in Nigeria did not refuse treatment over police reports.
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Legal & Policy Background
Under Nigerian law, specifically the Compulsory Treatment and Care for Victims of Gunshot Wounds Act (2017), any hospital (public or private) must immediately accept and treat persons with gunshot wounds with or without a police report.
The National Health Act also requires health providers not to refuse emergency treatment. Section 20 of that Act states that health care providers shall not refuse emergency medical treatment for any reason.
Beyond the Law
Despite these laws, there remains a practice among many hospitals of insisting on a police report or identification before treating victims, particularly of gunshot wounds or violent incidents.
This leads to delays and, in many cases, deaths that could have been avoided.
A Cycle of Preventable Deaths
Somtochukwu’s death highlights multiple system failures.
Delay in Response: She reportedly survived the initial fall. However, hospital refusal or delay pending documentation likely reduced her chances of survival. Quick medical intervention is crucial in trauma cases (bleeding, internal injuries, shock, etc.).
Demand for Identification or Police Report: The insistence on identification/police documentation before treatment violated the legal obligation for hospitals to treat emergency cases immediately. This demand in effect becomes a barrier to life-saving treatment.
Healthcare System Weakness/Health Worker Fear: Some hospitals fear legal or police repercussions for treating victims of violence without formal reports or clearance. This leads to overcautious policies or literal refusal. Somtochukwu’s case suggests that such fears may be contributing to medical staff hesitating to act.
Lack of Accountability: Though the law is clear, compliance is weak. There are reports of many similar instances where people suffering gunshot wounds or violent injury die because hospitals rejected them over documents.
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Implications
Somtochukwu’s case is not unique. There are documented similar cases nationwide. Ebenezer Ayeni, a music producer, died after hospitals refused treatment over a lack of a police report.
Numerous other victims of accidents or gunshot wounds are being denied treatment in private or public hospitals pending a police report as a condition for care.
Such refusals violate not just the statutes but also medical ethics and basic human rights. They disproportionately impact the vulnerable, poor, or those without ready access to documentation.
The delay/death fatigue erodes public trust in both health and law enforcement systems. It may deter people from calling for help, or from seeking medical care quickly in emergencies.
Needed Reforms
Necessary reforms are needed to reduce and eliminate avoidable deaths from hospital rejection due to demands for police reports.
Strict Enforcement of Existing Laws
Laws like the Gunshot Victims Act 2017 and the National Health Act must be actively enforced. Hospitals refusing treatment should face sanctions.
Awareness & Training for Health Workers: Medical staff need legal and ethical training so they understand their obligations in emergencies. Clear protocols should reflect that treatment cannot be delayed for documentation.
Protection for Health Workers/Hospitals: Concerns about legal exposure or police harassment need to be addressed. Perhaps through clarity in regulation, protection or indemnity for hospitals that comply with emergency treatment laws.
Public Awareness: Citizens should know their rights: that they should receive emergency medical treatment regardless of police or identification status. This awareness puts pressure on both hospitals and authorities to comply.
Accountability & Transparency
In cases like Somtochukwu’s, investigations should be transparent, findings made public, and those responsible held accountable, whether hospital staff, administrators, security forces, or regulatory bodies.
Faster medical response, better ambulatory services, more trauma centres, and better coordination with police/security agencies so that they do not become bottlenecks for medical care.
The cost of inaction is massive including the loss of precious human lives, diminished trust in public institutions, and moral failure as a society.
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