Inspector-General Orders Probe Of Alleged Attempted Murder At FMC Abeokuta As Nurses Forum Demands Justice

The Elegant Nurses Forum (ENF) has revealed that the Inspector General of Police (IGP) has ordered a formal investigation into the alleged assault and attempted murder involving the Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC)  Abeokuta, Ogun State.

This is the first time some of us have witnessed such action from the IGP,” a statement signed by Nurse Thomas Abiodun Olamide.

However, the Head of Nursing Services (HNS), allegedly connected to the case, faced obstruction during police questioning. Reports suggest that the Chief Security Officer (CSO) and certain elements of FMC management resisted the police invitation, insisting that all correspondence must go through the CSO’s office in adherence to Public Service Rules (PSR). 

ENF described this as deeply troubling and warned that such actions could undermine justice.

For clarity, ENF emphasised the legal distinction between civil administrative matters and criminal allegations. While internal institutional procedures may govern administrative concerns, serious criminal offenses like attempted murder fall squarely under police jurisdiction.

Under Nigerian law, the police have statutory authority to invite, question, and, if necessary, apprehend suspects—regardless of their rank in the civil service.

“Attempted murder is not a minor infraction that can be delayed or brushed aside by bureaucratic technicalities. Shielding suspects from lawful investigation erodes public trust and sends a dangerous message that some individuals are above the law,” ENF stated.

The nurses’ group further disclosed the circulation of a purported audio recording   in which the suspect allegedly expresses no remorse and claims high-level political protection, suggesting that the matter will be forgotten.

ENF demanded a forensic review of the recording as part of an independent investigation, warning that if authentic, the statements would underscore the urgent need for impartial law enforcement action free from institutional interference.

The involvement of a federal health institution in actions that appear to obstruct justice has sparked public outrage. 

ENF stressed that leadership requires responsibility, transparency, and accountability. Standard practice in serious misconduct cases dictates that implicated officers step aside to allow unbiased investigations. Failure to do so, ENF warned, risks eroding staff morale and public confidence.

The Elegant Nurses Forum has outlined clear demands to ensure justice and accountability: "immediate, independent, and transparent police investigation into the alleged assault and attempted murder.

"Unhindered access for law enforcement to question any individual linked to the case, without institutional obstruction.Temporary stepping aside of the implicated HNS to safeguard the integrity of the investigation.

"Protection for witnesses and whistleblowers to prevent intimidation or retaliation. Public clarification from FMC managemen on their response to police inquiries.

"Assurance from the Nigeria Police Force that no individual will be treated as above the law, regardless of status or political connections," they stated.

ENF added that the nursing profession is built on ethics, care, and accountability, and vowed not to remain silent where allegations of violence, abuse of power, or obstruction of justice arise within healthcare institutions.

“Justice must not only be done; it must be seen to be done. We will continue to monitor developments and pursue all lawful avenues to ensure accountability and the protection of healthcare professionals,” the forum said.