A private paediatric hospital in Osogbo, Osun State, has detained a three-month-old baby over an unpaid medical bill of about ₦700,000, leaving the child’s parents in distress. The newborn, son of 21-year-old Iqmat Yinusa, was admitted shortly after birth following complications during delivery and has remained in hospital custody since August.
Yinusa said her baby completed treatment weeks ago but could not be discharged due to outstanding fees. “We are owing the hospital… We couldn’t afford the bill, which is running to about ₦700,000,” she said, appealing to Nigerians for assistance. Her husband, Sodiq, said he had spent over ₦900,000 on treatment and was financially exhausted.
Lifeline Hospital officials said the baby was treated for perinatal asphyxia and related complications, with total costs amounting to ₦869,500. Assistant Manager Ayomide Oladosu said previous unpaid bills forced the hospital to be cautious, adding, “We’re not wicked, not at all.” The hospital owner, Dr Efeturi Agelebe, said the baby would be released if 70 per cent of the balance is paid.