Health
Spanish Court Jails Surgeon Over Fatal Surgery of Stella Obasanjo
More than two decades after the death of Nigeria’s former First Lady, Stella Obasanjo, a court in Spain has sentenced the cosmetic surgeon responsible for the procedure that led to her passing.
Mrs. Obasanjo, wife of former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, died on October 23, 2005, in Marbella, Spain. She had undergone a liposuction procedure at a private medical facility known as the Molding Clinic. What was expected to be a straightforward cosmetic treatment quickly turned fatal.
Fatal Surgical Error
According to court findings, the operating surgeon, Antonio Mena, improperly inserted a surgical cannula far deeper than required during the procedure. Instead of remaining within the fat layer beneath the skin, the instrument penetrated Mrs. Obasanjo’s abdominal cavity.
Prosecutors argued that the mistake caused extensive internal damage, including injuries to vital organs. Medical experts who testified described the technique used as reckless and inconsistent with accepted medical standards. They further stated that warning signs of complications were either overlooked or not addressed promptly.
During the trial, the prosecution maintained that the operation was conducted without the necessary caution and professional care expected in such procedures.
After a prolonged legal battle that spanned years of investigations and appeals, the Spanish court found Mena guilty of professional misconduct leading to death. He was handed a prison sentence and prohibited from practising medicine for a specified duration.
In its judgment, the court ruled that the surgeon breached his duty of care, emphasizing that the fatal outcome resulted from avoidable surgical errors.
The sudden death of Mrs. Obasanjo in 2005 triggered widespread mourning in Nigeria and sparked debate about medical tourism and patient safety abroad, particularly for high-profile individuals.
At the time, the Nigerian government described her passing as a profound national loss. Many Nigerians viewed the tragedy as both personal and symbolic.
Now, 21 years later, the court’s decision shows a significant legal conclusion to a case that once captured national and international attention.
The Kano State Hospitals Management Board has suspended a medical officer serving at one of the state’s secondary health facilities for allegedly reporting to duty under the influence of alcohol and engaging in unprofessional conduct while on duty.
The incident, which occurred at a government-owned health facility in Kano State, was promptly reported to the management of the Board. Preliminary findings by the authorities reportedly confirmed misconduct, prompting swift disciplinary action against the doctor.
The Board, however, did not disclose the name of the medical officer or the specific hospital where the incident occurred.
Executive Secretary of the Board, Dr. Mansur Mudi Nagoda, approved the immediate issuance of a formal query to the doctor and directed his suspension pending the outcome of a comprehensive investigation into the matter.
In a statement issued by the Board’s Public Relations Officer, Samira Sulaiman, the management described the alleged behaviour as grossly unacceptable and a clear violation of the ethical standards and professional code guiding medical practice.
The statement emphasised that healthcare delivery demands the highest level of responsibility, discipline and sound judgment, particularly in secondary health facilities where patients’ lives are entrusted to medical personnel.
Dr. Nagoda further stressed that the present administration under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf remains committed to restoring professionalism, accountability and excellence across all health institutions in the state.
According to him, any act capable of undermining public trust in the health system would be met with firm and appropriate sanctions.
The Board assured members of the public that a thorough investigation is ongoing and pledged that further action would be taken in line with civil service regulations and established medical ethics once the process is concluded.
It reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding patient safety, maintaining discipline among healthcare workers and ensuring quality service delivery across all secondary health facilities in Kano State.
In a city where many journalists cover public health crises without health coverage of their own, a rare lifeline has arrived for members of the pen profession in the Federal Capital Territory.
The Mandate Secretary of the FCTA Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, has offered 150 free health insurance enrolments to members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, FCT Council. In a show of support, the Permanent Secretary, Dr Babagana Adam, added 50 more slots in honour of his late brother, Mohammed Alkali, who died in the line of duty. The combined pledge brings the total to 200 free slots for journalists in the territory.
Announcing the gesture during a courtesy visit by the NUJ FCT leadership in Abuja, Dr Fasawe said the move supports universal health coverage and recognises the media as a vital partner in public health promotion. She stressed that prevention is key, noting that journalists who benefit from the scheme can help amplify awareness about health insurance and healthy health-seeking behaviour.
Under the FCT Health Insurance Scheme, enrollees gain access to one year of care at accredited facilities, covering services such as deliveries, surgeries and emergency treatment. Dr Fasawe said rebuilding trust in public healthcare remains a priority, especially for residents held back by cost and scepticism.
Dr Adam pledged to sustain the 50 annual slots and urged wider public-private partnerships to expand coverage, calling on the NUJ to prioritise the most vulnerable journalists.
NUJ FCT Chair, Comrade Grace Ike, welcomed the initiative, describing it as a boost to journalists’ welfare and a step towards making healthcare a right, not a privilege.
Nigeria is facing a deadly Lassa fever outbreak, with the virus claiming 70 lives in just over six weeks. Health authorities have confirmed 318 cases, highlighting the disease’s rapid spread in key states and raising urgent concerns about containment efforts.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) reports that the outbreak is concentrated in five states: Bauchi State, Ondo State, Taraba State, Edo State, and Plateau State, which together account for 91 per cent of cases. Ten local government areas in these states are most affected.
In response, the NCDC has activated its Incident Management System and deployed Rapid Response Teams to eight states, urging authorities to intensify contact tracing, enforce infection control, and address treatment costs.
Challenges persist, including low state-level ownership of containment efforts, infections among healthcare workers, and security issues in certain areas, making the fight against the outbreak more difficult.
Lassa fever, transmitted primarily through contact with infected rodents, can also spread between humans in healthcare settings, lacking proper precautions. Nigerians are advised to maintain hygiene, store food safely, and seek prompt medical care if symptoms like fever, headache, vomiting, or bleeding appear.