The management of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu State, has dismissed claims in a viral video alleging that the hospital handed over the three children of a deceased patient to unknown individuals.
The video, recorded within the hospital premises, alleged that one Chinyere Jennifer James died during surgery at UNTH, and that hospital staff subsequently gave her children to strangers — one to a pastor and two others to a woman — after being unable to locate their father or relatives.
Reacting to the allegations, the hospital’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Boniface Uchelue, described the claims as “entirely false, misleading, and malicious.”
“The lady in question unfortunately died during surgery. But while she was alive, a caregiver attending to another patient was in close contact with her and her children. After her death, the same caregiver took custody of the children out of sympathy — it had nothing to do with the hospital,” Uchelue clarified.
He further explained that the deceased’s children were not registered under the hospital’s care, adding that they had already formed a bond with the caregiver before their mother’s death.
“It is unfair to link the hospital to such an allegation. We did not hand over the children to anyone, nor did we participate in any negotiation concerning their welfare,” he said.
Uchelue also confirmed that the deceased’s remains were safely deposited at the hospital morgue, awaiting collection by her family.
The hospital’s reputation had recently come under public scrutiny following another social media report alleging negligence in the death of Charity Unachukwu, who reportedly died after waiting over 12 hours for treatment following a road accident.
Her relative, Phina Ezeagwu, had accused UNTH staff of negligence, claiming that “nothing is working at UNTH, not even control of junior staff.”
In response, the hospital’s Chief Medical Director, Prof. Obinna Onodugo, assured that the management would thoroughly investigate the claims, describing them as “serious and deserving of immediate attention.”
UNTH reiterated its commitment to professionalism, ethical medical practice, and transparent engagement with the public, urging Nigerians to disregard unfounded social media reports aimed at tarnishing the hospital’s image.
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