*TWINS HELD HOSTAGE OVER UNPAID HOSPITAL BILL: IMO POLICE COMMISSIONER ORDERS PROBE* By Ella Michaels
Owerri - In a shocking incident, the Medical Director of Goodwill Maternity at Obinze in Owerri West LGA, Silas Nwamadi, allegedly seized twin baby boys, Chidindu and Chijindu, over their mother's inability to pay the hospital bill.
According to reports, the twins were delivered via cesarean section on May 4 but have been held at the maternity ever since.
*Police Commissioner Intervenes*
Imo State Police Commissioner, Aboki Danjuma, has ordered an immediate investigation into the matter and directed the release of the twins.
"The medical director admitted to asking the 19-year-old mother, Precious Okere, to hand over the children in exchange for the unpaid hospital bill, claiming it was a joke," the CP said. "This statement is serious, and I instruct my men to investigate."
*Grandmother's Plea Leads to Intervention*
The CP learned about the issue through the twins' grandmother, Mrs. Ngozi Okere, who petitioned him on Wednesday. The grandmother alleged that the medical director pressured her and her daughter to give him the twins in exchange for the bill.
*Compassionate Nigerians Intervene*
Activist journalist Chidiebube Okeoma led a group of concerned Nigerians to secure the release of the twins and their mother. However, the doctor increased the bill, and nurses allegedly assaulted the grandmother and mother.
Okeoma stated that despite financial contributions from well-meaning Nigerians, the doctor refused to accept the initial bill.
*Investigation Underway*
At press time, the medical director was giving a statement at the Scorpion Squad Unit of the police command.
The incident has sparked outrage, highlighting concerns about medical ethics and patient rights.
