MICHAEL AKINOLA
A 48-year old male quack nurse, Olatide Emmanuel, has been sentenced to death by hanging for the killing of a pregnant woman, Bosede Falade, by embarking on an illegal surgery and using a knife to tear the stomach of the deceased during childbirth.
P.M.EXPRESS reports that it was the judgment of the Ekiti State High Court, Ado Ekiti Division, which found him guilty for impersonation and murder under the Criminal Law of State.
The convict reportedly opened a clinic in Erinmope Ekiti in 2019 after completing his nursing apprenticeship in Lagos State. He started practicing as a medical doctor, treated patients as well as embarking on surgery for pregnant women.
However, on 24th June, 2019, at Odo Ikole compound, Erinmope Ekiti, he murdered late Bosede Falade, while carrying out illegal operation on the victim after claiming to be a medical doctor.
There were complications and the deceased bled to death and the matter was reported to the Police. He was arrested and charged to Court for the alleged offence.
The charge read, “That the defendant, on 24th June, 2019, at Odo Ikole compound, Erinmope Ekiti, did murder one Bosede Falade, and also on June 9, 2019 at Ajebamidele Street, Otun Ekiti, did falsely represent himself to be a medical doctor.”
The Prosecutor, Kunle-Shina Adeyemo said, “The offences are contrary to Section 316 and punishable under Section 319(1) of the Criminal Code Law, Cap. C16, Laws of Ekiti State, 2012.”
A witness, Rev. Omotade, told the Police and Court that the deceased’s husband had called him to report that his wife had died during childbirth.
“On getting to the hospital, I saw the corpse on the stretcher while the self-acclaimed doctor stood beside the stretcher. When I critically examined the body of the deceased, I discovered that the operation was carried out unprofessionally. I later called the Police at Otun Ekiti to take over the matter and carry out a full investigation,” he said.
The defendant told the court he had set up a clinic in Erinmope Ekiti in 2019 after completing a nursing apprenticeship in Lagos State.
”The deceased was not my patient but came to inform me that she was due for childbirth. After some examination, I informed her and her husband that she would be delivered of the baby through a Caesarean section, and they agreed.”
“The operation was successful with both mother and child alive, but the mother developed complications thereafter and later died,” he said.
The prosecutor called seven witnesses and tendered statements, medical reports, and photographs of the deceased as exhibits. The defendant, through his counsel Adeyinka Opaleke, did not call any witnesses.
In his judgment, the presiding judge, Justice Jubril Aladejana said: “The confession of the defendant under cross-examination that he did not qualify as a medical personnel, yet proceeded to open up a human being, knowing he had no training or certification to do so, portrayed the defendant as inherently callous. I find the defendant wickedly reckless in his actions on the now deceased Bosede Falade.”
“The prosecution has proved beyond a reasonable doubt that the reckless action of the defendant caused the woman’s death on 24th June, 2019. The defendant is accordingly found guilty as charged.”
The judge concluded,”The judgment of this court is that you, Olatide Emmanuel, be hanged by the neck until you are dead. May the Lord have mercy on your soul.” the Court ruled.