Edo Man Cries Out as Hospital Detains Wife, Newborn Over N330,000 Bill

A distraught father, Mr. Umoru Imokha Abdulahi, has made a passionate appeal to kindhearted Nigerians and Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, to help him settle a N330,000 hospital bill preventing the release of his wife and newborn daughter from the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH).

Abdulahi, who hails from Agenebode in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, revealed that his wife underwent a Cesarean Section (CS) on March 20, 2025, and was officially discharged on March 27. However, they have since been held back at the hospital due to unpaid medical bills.

The total cost of the procedure amounted to N380,000. Abdulahi said he managed to pay a combined N200,000 — N50,000 before the operation and N150,000 afterwards — but could not raise the remaining N180,000 balance.

In his absence, while trying to source for funds, UBTH allegedly began charging a daily N10,000 fee for bed space and food, which now amounts to an additional N150,000, bringing the total outstanding bill to N330,000.

“What UBTH was asking me to pay was N380,000 on March 27. I had raised N200,000 but couldn’t settle the rest,” he explained tearfully. “Now they say I owe N330,000 because I couldn’t come up with the balance on time. My wife and baby have been detained ever since.”

Abdulahi, who is currently unemployed and survives through casual jobs at a sawmill, expressed deep frustration, adding that his baby — his first child — has not undergone traditional postnatal care, including hot water massages, due to their prolonged hospital stay.

“This has been the most painful experience of my life. I couldn’t even do the naming ceremony after seven days. I feel helpless,” he lamented.

He called on well-meaning Nigerians, NGOs, and the state government to help him reunite with his wife and daughter, who remain detained on Bed 17, M1 (Maternity Ward) at UBTH.

Donations can be sent to his Polaris Bank account: 3053131049 (Umoru Imokha Abdulahi). He can also be reached at 09166956146 for verification or support.

When contacted, UBTH’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Uwaila Joshua, confirmed the outstanding bill, explaining that the extra charges accumulated due to prolonged use of hospital facilities, including food and accommodation for mother and child.