By Akpos Oje
A cloud of grief hangs over a Benin City couple, Mr. Jerry Sylvester and Mrs. Edwina Ezuruike Jerry, who have petitioned the Edo State Police Command over the mysterious death of their twin babies at Med-Vical Medical Centre, GRA, Benin.
The infants, born prematurely on July 9, 2025, at another facility, were referred to Med-Vical for paediatric and neonatal intensive care. However, the babies died on July 18 and August 2, sparking allegations of medical negligence.
In a petition dated August 5, 2025, and filed through their lawyer, the couple urged the Commissioner of Police to launch a discreet probe into the tragedy. They also demanded an autopsy, accusing the hospital of incompetence, secrecy, and inhumane handling of their children.
According to the petition, the family had already paid ₦4.4 million in medical bills before the second child’s death. Shockingly, Mrs. Jerry alleged she found the remains of her baby wrapped in a carton, with the hands and legs bound, the head heavily bandaged, and blood dripping out.
Mr. Jerry further claimed that when he sought access to the body the following day, hospital officials denied him entry, insisting he first clear an outstanding balance of ₦2.7 million. He alleged the hospital later transferred the corpse to a mortuary without the family’s consent.
“The hospital denied our clients the right to see their child and hurriedly moved the body away,” the petition read in part. “We therefore call for urgent intervention to ensure those responsible are brought to book.”
Police spokesman CSP Moses Joel Yamu confirmed the case, saying detectives had commenced investigations.
“The matter has been reported and our officers are on it,” he stated.
When journalists visited Med-Vical on Wednesday, hospital staff declined comment. By Thursday, however, a man identifying himself as Mr. Enato threatened reporters with legal action if the story was published, insisting the matter was already before a court.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police has reportedly directed an autopsy on one of the babies yet to be buried.
