The National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, Lagos State Council (NANNM), has refuted media reports suggesting that one of its members was arrested in connection with the death of popular Nigerian singer, Ilerioluwa Aloba, famously known as Mohbad. The association clarified that the individual apprehended for administering an injection to the late singer was not a registered nurse.
This revelation comes after the father of the late artist, Joseph Aloba, stated on September 14 that his son passed away on September 12 in a Lagos hospital following an injection administered by an auxiliary nurse. Additionally, Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo, in a video shared on her Instagram page, announced that the nurse responsible for treating the late rapper had been taken into police custody.
In an official statement issued on Saturday, Toba Odumosu, the State Secretary of the NANNM, expressed condolences to Mohbad’s family and associates while reiterating their full support for the ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the singer’s death. Odumosu emphasized the importance of professionalism in both reporting and conducting the investigation.
“We fully support the ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death and urge the relevant authorities to leave no stone unturned in the pursuit of justice for him,” the statement read.
The NANNM cautioned against labeling individuals as healthcare professionals without verifying their qualifications and professional status. They also highlighted the regulatory challenges in Nigeria’s healthcare system, leading to unqualified individuals performing medical roles for which they lack proper training.
“In Nigeria, to be recognized as a Nurse, one must complete a rigorous five-year Bachelor of Nursing Science program at a university, followed by an additional year of internship. Alternatively, one can undergo training at an accredited School/College of Nursing and become registered and licensed by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria,” the statement explained.
The association further clarified that the term ‘Auxiliary Nurse’ has no place within Nigeria’s healthcare system or its laws. An individual is either a qualified Nurse or an unqualified person performing tasks beyond their competence.
In conclusion, the NANNM called on investigating authorities and the media to exercise caution and accuracy during the ongoing investigation. They urged all media outlets that inaccurately reported the arrest of a nurse to take immediate corrective action to rectify their stories.
The NANNM’s statement underscores the need for a meticulous and professional approach in determining the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s tragic demise while safeguarding the reputation of healthcare professionals.