A couple, Gideon, 24 years old and Vivian, 20 years old, from Lagos, are facing a distressing situation in Benin after being unable to pay a hospital delivery bill of ₦108,000.
The couple, who arrived in the city only two weeks before their baby was due, was directed by contact to Ohis-Je Clinic, located at Equa-vic complex, LGA, opposite the engineering company, Oka, Benin City. However, what should have been a joyous occasion quickly turned into a nightmare.
Following the delivery, Gideon pleaded with the clinic’s owner, Mrs Faith Imooje, explaining that they could not afford the full payment.
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Despite his efforts, Mrs Imooje reportedly refused to accept a partial payment, insisting that the clinic does not allow patients to leave without clearing their bills.
Desperate, Gideon managed to raise ₦10,000, which was rejected. The clinic then informed the couple that for every day they remained without paying, they would be charged an additional ₦5,000.
In a turn of events that left the family devastated, Mrs Imooje allegedly suggested that, since they could not pay, the newborn should be placed in an orphanage.
Though initially refusing, the couple returned 48 hours later, overwhelmed by their financial situation, and agreed to sign a consent form to give up their baby.
The couple eventually managed to raise ₦70,000, but despite making the payment, they were taken to the Ministry of Women Affairs.
Upon arriving, they were informed that the official responsible for handling such cases was unavailable and were instructed to return on the 11th of November.
Fearful for their baby’s future, the couple reached out to various organizations for help, hoping to find a solution before their child was taken away.
A concerned reporter, Sunny Ighedosa, would accompany the couple to the Edo State Ministry of Women affair on Monday, 14 October, in search of their baby. The attention of the deputy governor, Mr Philip Shaibu and the governor, Godwin Obaseki’s quarter have been informed.
The location of the alleged orphanage is unknown at the time of filing this report.
The story highlights the urgent need for affordable maternal healthcare and support for families struggling to meet medical expenses, a challenge faced by many across the country.
This is a developing story. Details to follow.
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