The Imo State Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, has ordered the immediate release of twin boys and their 19-year-old mother, Precious Okere, who were detained by a medical doctor since May 4, 2024, over fluctuating medical bills.
Dr. Silas Nwamadi, the medical director of Goodwill Maternity in Obinze, Owerri West Local Government Area, is under investigation after it was alleged that he frustrated efforts to clear the medical bills related to a cesarean section for Okere’s delivery.
The Commissioner scolded Dr. Nwamadi for his lack of empathy, especially after compassionate Nigerians attempted to assist in paying the delivery bill, only to find the charges unexpectedly increased.
CP Danjuma stated, “Dr. Silas Nwamadi is to be investigated for admitting that he jokingly told the nursing mother to give him the twins in lieu of the medical bill.”
Precious Okere reported that her attempts to be discharged were continually thwarted as Dr. Nwamadi raised the medical fees.
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She, along with her mother, corroborated allegations made by the twins’ grandmother, Mrs. Ngozi Okere, who had petitioned the Commissioner, claiming that the doctor pressured them to consider giving up the twins to settle the bill.
Activist journalist Chidiebube Okeoma and other concerned Nigerians had mobilized to raise funds to help cover the medical costs. However, they faced resistance from Dr. Nwamadi, who reportedly refused to accept the payments and further increased the fees.
The situation escalated when nurses engaged in a physical altercation with Okere, resulting in injuries and the loss of her grandmother’s phone during the confrontation.
The police have since intervened, ensuring that both the mother and her children are released from detention.
