Lawyer alleges negligence, systemic failures at UMTH, demands independent probe into father’s death
By: Zagazola Makama
A legal practitioner and human rights activist, Mr. Hamza N. Dantani, has called for a comprehensive and independent investigation into the death of his father at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), alleging medical negligence, unprofessional conduct, and systemic failures in patient management.
Dantani made the call in a detailed formal representation to the hospital’s Chief Medical Director, following widespread public reactions generated by an earlier account he shared on the circumstances surrounding the death.
He stated that while, as a Muslim, he believes that life and death are ultimately determined by Almighty Allah, such belief does not diminish the legal and professional responsibility of healthcare providers to exercise due care, diligence, and competence in the treatment of patients.
According to him, the representation was not intended to malign the institution or its personnel, but to express deep dissatisfaction with the conduct of certain staff members and highlight critical lapses in professionalism, responsiveness, and coordination.
He, however, commended two doctors, Dr. Hassan Dogo and Dr. Abubakar Abiso, for what he described as their professionalism, responsiveness, and genuine concern during the course of attending to his late father.
Dantani also acknowledged the broader challenges faced by healthcare workers, including constraints related to infrastructure, equipment, and welfare, but stressed that such limitations do not excuse lapses in duty, especially in a tertiary health institution responsible for both service delivery and medical training.
Giving a detailed account of the events, Dantani said the hospital’s Urology Unit formally requested the involvement of the Nephrology Unit on March 23, 2026, for expert evaluation and possible co-management of his father’s condition.
He alleged that despite several reminders, no member of the Nephrology Unit responded to the referral.
He further stated that on March 25, the Urology Unit conducted another review and again sought input from the Nephrology Unit regarding further management, but no response was received.
Dantani said by March 30, his father’s condition had deteriorated significantly, presenting with severe clinical symptoms including abdominal distension, respiratory distress, abdominal tenderness, and signs of fluid accumulation.
Despite these alarming developments, he alleged that no immediate imaging investigation was carried out to ascertain the underlying condition.
He noted that it was only at about 11:30 p.m. on March 30 that he was advised to obtain an ultrasound scan, but no radiology personnel were available at the hospital at that time, resulting in further delay.
According to him, an emergency ultrasound was eventually conducted in the early hours of March 31 through personal efforts and external assistance by a consultant radiologist.
The findings, he said, revealed severe and life-threatening conditions, including massive ascites, bilateral pleural effusion, abnormalities in both kidneys, a suspected renal cyst, and features consistent with chronic gallbladder inflammation.
He stated that the results clearly indicated advanced intra-abdominal and systemic complications requiring urgent and coordinated multidisciplinary intervention.
Dantani also alleged a breakdown in internal communication within the hospital, stating that at a critical point, a senior medical official reportedly expressed frustration after discovering that earlier notifications had been received by a team member but were not acted upon, having been “forgotten.”
He described the alleged admission as a serious indication of negligence and lack of professionalism.
In his view, the failure of the Nephrology Unit to respond to formal referrals, delays in conducting essential diagnostic investigations, and poor coordination among relevant medical units collectively contributed to the deterioration of his father’s condition.
He argued that timely intervention could have alleviated the patient’s suffering or potentially improved the outcome.
Dantani said all relevant clinical records and documentation are available in the patient’s file for verification.
He called on the hospital management to institute a transparent and independent investigation into the incident, identify individuals and units responsible for the lapses, and ensure appropriate disciplinary and corrective measures.
He also urged authorities to implement systemic reforms aimed at improving communication, responsiveness, and overall standards of patient care in the hospital.
Dantani emphasised that the call for accountability was not only in pursuit of justice for his late father but also to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
As of the time of filing this report, there was no official response from the management of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital regarding the allegations.
