NMA faults media trial over Chimamanda’s son’s death

By Chioma Obinna

The Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, Lagos State branch, has criticised the decision by some parties to take allegations surrounding the death of Chimamanda Adichie’s son to the media, insisting that due process and established professional channels must be followed to ensure justice.

Speaking to Vanguard, Dr. Saheed Babajide, Chairman of the NMA, Lagos State, said he had personally contacted the Chairman of the NBA, noting that both bodies share a long-standing cordial relationship and wondered about the rush to the media.

“I have called the NBA Chairman. We have a good relationship between the NMA and the NBA. Why can’t they call us? Why go straight to the press?” Babajide asked.

He dismissed claims that a formal complaint had already been submitted to the NMA, describing the purported letter as misleading.

“The Chairman told me he was not aware that they had not written any letter to the NMA. The letter being circulated is wrong,” he said.

Babajide warned against what he described as a growing trend of “media trials,” urging aggrieved parties to allow institutions to carry out their responsibilities without undue pressure.

“People should be allowed to do their work. It should not just be about going to the media,” he stated.

According to him, the NMA has already taken formal steps to address the matter and will conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Chimamanda’s son.

“We have sent a letter to the appropriate authorities, and we are going to investigate this matter. We will also write to the hospital involved and invite all relevant parties. You cannot investigate properly without complete information,” Babajide explained.

He stressed that investigations must be evidence-based and inclusive. “You must have proper information, including details of the patient involved. Everybody has to be invited. That is how justice can be achieved.”

Babajide emphasised that the NMA’s priority is fairness to all sides.

“What the NMA wants is to give justice to both parties. We want to be fair to everyone,” he noted.

He outlined available channels for seeking redress, urging complainants to approach professional and regulatory bodies rather than resorting to public accusations.

“There are established ways to seek justice. They can go through the NMA, their association, or the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, MDCN. If they are not satisfied, they can go directly to the MDCN instead of going to the press. We also have HEFEMMA in Lagos. If they have written to these bodies, why not wait for the due process to run?” he said.

The NMA Lagos Chairman added that once a matter has been submitted to a regulatory body or the courts, parties should respect the process.

“Anytime a case has gone to the MDCN or the courts, that process should be allowed to run its course instead of continuing with media trials,” he cautioned.

Expressing sympathy for the bereaved family, Babajide acknowledged the pain of losing a loved one.
“Nobody wants to lose a family member. We understand the pain of the family of the deceased, and that is why justice must be properly served,” he said.

He concluded by assuring the public of the association’s commitment to transparency and justice.
“The NMA will mediate this case through the appropriate processes, and justice will be done,” Babajide assured.

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