KWASUTH assault: Court arraigns 2 suspects for alleged assault on resident doctor, nurse
By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal
Police had arraigned two individuals at the Magistrate Court, Ilorin, for allegedly assaulting medical personnel of the Kwara State University Teaching Hospital (KWASUTH) while carrying out their lawful duties at the hospital.
The Chief Medical Director, (CMD), Dr Bola Abdulkadir, disclosed this while speaking with newsmen in his office in Ilorin.
According to him, the action taken by the hospital management was aimed at addressing the growing incidents of assault on healthcare workers and to serve as a deterrent to others.
The suspects, Hamzat Abdulsalam
and Victoria Adetunji, were alleged to have assaulted medical personnel while they were discharging their official responsibilities within the hospital premises.
He explained that the suspects were arraigned before a Ilorin Magistrate Court presided over by M. G. Olujide.
“The court, however, granted them bail following an oral application by their counsel, Toyin Mohammed Onaolapo, who argued that the alleged offences were not capital in nature and are therefore bailable under the relevant provisions of the law,” he said.
Abdulkadir stated that the court admitted the defendants to bail in the sum of ₦100,000 each.
“In addition, each of them is required to provide two reliable adult sureties residing within the court’s jurisdiction and to submit affidavits of means,” he said.
He further disclosed that the court directed the defendants to write formal letters of apology to the complainants through the Chief Medical Director of the Kwara State General Hospital, as well as submit written undertakings pledging that such conduct would not reoccur.
The CMD reaffirmed the government’s commitment to pursuing the matter diligently to its logical conclusion, noting that sustained prosecution would help curb the rising cases of assault on healthcare workers.
He also reiterated the commitment of the present administration under the leadership of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to strengthen healthcare delivery in the state and ensure the safety of medical personnel as they provide essential services to residents.
The case has been adjourned to the 22nd of next month for further hearing.
Similarly, speaking to newsmen
at the Magistrate Court at Ipata, Ilorin, an official from the Kwara State Ministry of Justice, Masurat Bello, said the state remains committed to prosecuting the case to its logical conclusion.
Also speaking, defence counsel, Barrister Toyin Mohammed, expressed optimism about the case, noting that both sides would have the opportunity to present evidence during trial. (NAN)
