A midwife, Mrs. Ekaette Akpan, has been brought before an Ebute-Metta Magistrates Court, Lagos State, over her involvement in the death of a pregnant woman and her unborn baby.
Mrs. Akpan who prior to her arrest operated a maternity home in Agege area of Lagos State is alleged to be responsible for the death of a 30-year-old woman and her baby at delivery in the home.
The incident which reportedly occurred on October 4, 2010 was said to have been reported to the police leading to her arrest and subsequent arraignment.
The midwife was arraigned on a two-count charge of unlawful killing and murder.
Police prosecuting officer, Inspector Sam Omoyeni, told the court that Ekaette did unlawfully kill the victim, Comfort Nicholas, as a result of her action during the delivery of the deceased of her unborn child who also died.
According to him, the accused, thereby, committed an offence punishable under Section. 319 (1) and 309 of the Criminal Code, Cap. C17, Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2003.
The accused person pleaded not guilty to the charges; however, her plea was not taken by the court.
Presiding magistrate, Mr. M. O. Olubi, ordered that the midwife be remanded in prison custody pending the outcome of DPP’s advice on the matter.
He also ordered that the case file of the matter be duplicated and sent to the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) for advice.
The matter has been adjourned till August 29, 2011 pending the report on DPP’s advice.
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