After spending 21 days at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital due to unpaid medical bills, a mother and her newborn baby have finally been discharged, thanks to public outcry and media attention.
Mr Umoru Imokha Abdulahi, the father, expressed deep gratitude to the press and to compassionate Nigerians whose intervention led to the hospital’s decision to release his wife, Mrs Happiness Peter, and their baby without demanding the remaining balance of the bill.
A resident of Agenebode in Etsako East Local Government Area, Mr Abdulahi had previously made a public appeal for financial assistance to secure the release of his family.
His wife had given birth via Caesarean section on March 20, 2025 and though she was medically cleared for discharge a week later, they remained detained due to outstanding medical fees.
Initially billed N380,000, Mr Abdulahi had managed to pay N200,000, including N50,000 deposit before admission and another N150,000 after the procedure.
However, as he sought help to cover the remaining amount, the charges rose by another N150,000, pushing the total to over N530,000.
Unable to meet the increased cost, he turned to the media and the public for help.
Following widespread attention and appeals, including one directed at the Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, the UBTH eventually allowed the mother and child to go home, lifting a significant burden from the young father.
He has since taken his wife and baby girl home, ending an ordeal that sparked concern and compassion across the country.
