Group seeks medical records, forensic examination and investigation into alleged medication administration before Phoebe Egiedenawe Jerrylaw’s deathp
BENIN CITY — The Edo State Civil Society Coalition for Human Rights has called for a full, independent and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of 12-year-old Phoebe Egiedenawe Jerrylaw at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH).
The coalition made the demand in a statement signed by its Coordinator General, Comrade Aghatise Raphael, and dated September 22, 2026.
Phoebe, a student of Air Force Girls Military School, Jos, and an indigene of Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State, reportedly died at UBTH on August 21, 2026, after being admitted for medical treatment.
According to the statement, information provided to the coalition by the deceased child’s family indicated that Phoebe was admitted to UBTH on August 7, 2026, following medical examination which the family said indicated malaria and an elevated white blood cell count.
The family reportedly maintains that the child was stable at the time of admission and did not present with what they considered an immediately life-threatening condition.
However, the coalition said the family has raised serious questions over events that allegedly occurred on the night of August 20, when a doctor who, according to the family, was not assigned to Phoebe’s treatment allegedly administered medication obtained from another patient’s medication without the knowledge or consent of her parents.
The family further alleges that the doctor did not remain to monitor the child after the medication was administered.
The coalition said the family believes Phoebe subsequently developed what it described as a severe reaction before she died on August 21.
IBN News stresses that these claims are allegations presented by the family and the civil society coalition and have not been independently established. The precise medication allegedly administered, the reason for its administration, the clinical circumstances surrounding it and the medical cause of death remain matters requiring verification through appropriate investigation.
The coalition said the circumstances surrounding Phoebe’s final hours, including her medical records, medications administered, medical supervision and monitoring, must be examined by competent authorities.
It also called for clarification of the family’s account of bleeding from multiple parts of the child’s body, saying such claims require urgent medical and forensic examination rather than speculation.
“This is not a matter that can be swept under the carpet,” the coalition said, stressing that the child’s parents are seeking answers and that the circumstances surrounding her death deserve proper investigation.
The group also referred to patient-rights provisions published by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, which state that patients are entitled to dignified and respectful care, informed consent, privacy and confidentiality, timely emergency treatment, and avenues for redress and feedback.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has also recently emphasised the importance of patient and family participation in healthcare decisions, including ensuring that patients are treated with dignity and are adequately informed about their conditions and treatment options.
The coalition therefore called for an immediate police investigation into the circumstances surrounding Phoebe’s treatment and death.
It also demanded the preservation and production of her complete medical records, including admission notes, prescriptions, drug administration records, nurses’ reports, laboratory results, doctors’ notes, monitoring charts and other relevant clinical documentation.
Another major demand is a clear identification of every medication allegedly administered to Phoebe, including the name of the medication, dosage, time of administration, prescribing or authorising practitioner and the source from which the medication was obtained.
The coalition further requested an independent post-mortem or forensic examination, where legally and medically appropriate, to establish the cause and manner of death.
It also called for the involvement of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) if the investigation reveals allegations of professional misconduct involving a registered medical practitioner.
The MDCN officially states that its Professional Discipline Department coordinates disciplinary activities and serves as the secretariat of the Medical and Dental Practitioners’ Investigation Panel. The Council says the panel is mandated to investigate allegations that a registered medical practitioner or dental surgeon has misbehaved in a professional capacity, while complaints of professional misconduct can be submitted by members of the public.
The coalition equally called for a human-rights investigation into the circumstances surrounding the child’s death, including possible involvement of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).
The NHRC provides mechanisms for members of the public to lodge complaints concerning alleged human-rights violations and describes itself as an extra-judicial mechanism for the protection and enjoyment of human rights.
The coalition further demanded full cooperation by UBTH and every relevant institution or individual with any lawful investigation, including the preservation of medical records and other evidence that may be relevant to determining what happened.
It said that where an investigation establishes negligence, professional misconduct, unlawful conduct or any other actionable wrongdoing, the appropriate authorities should ensure that those responsible are dealt with in accordance with Nigerian law.
The coalition emphasised that it was not prejudging the outcome of any investigation.
Rather, it said its demand was for “truth, transparency, accountability and justice” for the deceased child and her family.
The group called on the management of UBTH, the Edo State Government, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, the National Human Rights Commission, the Nigeria Police Force and other competent authorities to act swiftly and within the law.
The coalition said the family deserves answers concerning the circumstances of Phoebe’s treatment and death, while any person or institution found responsible for wrongdoing should be held accountable through due process.
“Justice for Phoebe Egiedenawe Jerrylaw!” the statement concluded.
IBN News reports that no independent finding establishing medical negligence, professional misconduct or the precise cause of Phoebe’s death has been identified in the material available to the newspaper. The allegations therefore require proper investigation, access to the relevant medical records and, where appropriate, forensic and professional review before responsibility can be determined.
