17th October, 2022
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has partnered Lagos State Government and relevant agencies to investigate the unethical filming of the late ex-Big Brother Naija’s housemate, Patrick Fakoya, popularly known as Rico Swavey, at Doren Specialist Hospital.
Dr. Benjamin Olowojebutu and Dr. Ismail Ajibowo, the Chairman and Secretary of NMA Lagos Zone, confirmed the development on Monday.
They said that the association was aware of media reports about the incident surrounding the death of Swavey and the alleged involvement of Doren Specialist Hospital, Ajah.
“We want to appeal to the general public that we allow all statutory bodies that have the power to investigate the matter to conclude their findings and give a detailed report.
“Passing a guilty verdict on healthcare workers before the investigation is concluded will not do any good to anybody.
“We appeal for calm and let us allow the law to take its course,” they said.
They commiserated with the family of the deceased and his loved ones and pray for the fortitude to bear the huge loss.
Swavey, a former Big Brother Naija housemate, was involved in a car accident on Oct. 11 and was rushed to Doren Specialist Hospital, Ajah.
He, however, succumbed to injuries on Oct.13 at a different medical facility.
A yet-to-be-identified person recorded and posted on social media a 30-seconds video of Swavey on oxygen while health workers struggled to lift him.
The short clip sparked outrage, condemnation, and allegations against the healthcare workers and Doren Hospital.
Meanwhile, the management of Doren Specialist Hospital, in a statement distanced the involvement of its staff in the recording of Swavey’s video.
Also, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, said that the state had commenced an investigation into the incident.
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) had also shown interest in the incident.