An Ekiti State High Court in Ado Ekiti on Tuesday sentenced Olatide Emmanuel, a quack nurse, to death by hanging for the murder of a woman.
The 48-year-old was arraigned in 2025 on a two-count charge of murder and impersonation. The charges read that Emmanuel, on June 24, 2019, at Odo Ikole compound, Erinmope Ekiti, murdered Bosede Falade, and on June 9, 2019, at Ajebamidele Street, Otun Ekiti, falsely represented himself as a medical doctor.
Prosecutor Kunle-Shina Adeyemo said the offences violated Section 316 and were punishable under Section 319(1) of the Criminal Code Law, Cap. C16, Laws of Ekiti State, 2012.
An eyewitness, Rev. Omotade, told police that the deceased’s husband had reported his wife’s death during childbirth. Upon arriving at the hospital, Rev. Omotade observed that the body was on a stretcher while Emmanuel stood nearby. He noted that the procedure had been performed unprofessionally and subsequently alerted the police.
The defendant claimed he had opened a clinic in Erinmope Ekiti in 2019 after completing a nursing apprenticeship in Lagos State. He maintained that the deceased was not his patient but had come for childbirth consultation. He said he informed the couple that a Caesarean section would be needed, and although the operation initially appeared successful, the mother later died from complications.
During the trial, the prosecution called seven witnesses and presented statements, medical reports, and photographs as exhibits. Emmanuel, through his counsel Adeyinka Opaleke, did not call any witnesses.
In delivering judgment, Justice Jubril Aladejana said Emmanuel’s confession that he lacked medical qualifications yet proceeded to perform surgery showed “inherent callousness” and reckless disregard for human life.
“The prosecution has proved beyond a reasonable doubt that the reckless action of the defendant caused the woman’s death,” Justice Aladejana ruled.
The court sentenced Olatide Emmanuel to death by hanging. The judge concluded, “May the Lord have mercy on your soul.”
