Solomon Akukwe/LUTH Saga: International Human Rights Gives Ultimatum As IGP Steps In

CYRIACUS IZUEKWE

The controversial seizure of former Chevron Senior Staff, Solomon Akukwe, by the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH, after N12m was allegedly siphoned from his bank account, has taken another dimension following the intervention of an International Human Rights organization over the alleged captivity.

P.M.EXPRESS reports that Akukwe’s family approached the group known as International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) for intervention as LUTH had barred members of the family from seeing their brother while in captivity.

 IHRC in a letter dated 22nd June, 2020, addressed to the Chief Medical Director, Professor Chris Bode, has given an ultimatum for immediate release of Akukwe and the hand over of his phone and other bank details with them.

Huge amount of money belonging to the patient held by LUTH was siphoned by a lady, Marian Seidu, who is now on the run, aided by some staff of LUTH after the family discovered that while he was admitted as a patient, his money was being siphoned.

 Mrs. Ngozi Adenuga, who is the younger sister of the ‘detained’ Solomon Akukwe and the first daughter, decided to meet the Human Rights body after several other efforts did not yield results.
Sequel to her complaints to the IHRC, their external solicitor cum secretary,  Okon Ita, had written to the LUTH management to sensitize them on the consequences of rendering a patient a captive, even when his family had lamented about the deterioration of his mental ill-health and inhuman handling by the LUTH authority.

The IHRC,  through the petition wondered why the LUTH will continue to keep a sick man on the grounds that he was brought by a psychologically unstable lover only recently released from a rehab centre and why some staffers of LUTH tampered with the sick man’s phone and bank account.
Some of the charges stated as what LUTH will face if the captivity lingers are; charge for slavery and keeping Solomon Akukwe under servitude; charge for inhuman or degrading treatment etc.

The Rights body has assured that relevant international laws will be explored against LUTH in the fight to restore the rights and dignity of Solomon Akukwe.

Meanwhile, the Inspector General of Police has ordered full investigation of the alleged fraud and captivity by LUTH officials to bring the culprits to book for reportedly taking advantage of the patient, Solomon Akukwe.