The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) has cleared six doctors of a prima facie case of professional misconduct over the death of Mrs Lovelyn John at Gynescope Specialist Hospital, Lagos, while referring another practitioner, Dr Joseph Yahaya, to its disciplinary tribunal.

The decision was communicated in a letter dated October 5, 2026, by the Medical and Dental Practitioners Investigation Panel, which examined complaints arising from the circumstances surrounding John’s death.

Those cleared are Professor Jude Ehiabhi Okohue, proprietor of Gynescope Specialist Hospital; Dr Adeyi Taiwo Olugbenga; Dr Chukwuebuka Igbokwe; Dr Olawale Enigbokan; Dr Owoseni Taiwo; and Dr Charles Anunobi.

Yahaya, who was directly involved in the patient’s management, was referred to the Medical and Dental Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal for further proceedings. The council clarified that the referral does not amount to a finding of guilt or a final determination of professional negligence. Yahaya will have the opportunity to respond to the allegations and present his defence before the tribunal.

Similarly, the decision not to refer the other six doctors means the panel found insufficient grounds for disciplinary proceedings against them at the preliminary stage. It does not resolve every possible question of liability arising from the patient’s death.

The development comes as a coroner’s inquest into John’s death continues before the Lagos State Coroner’s Court. The proceedings are expected to examine the evidence and clarify the circumstances surrounding her death.

Although a post-mortem examination has been conducted, determining the medical cause of death is distinct from establishing whether professional negligence occurred.

Negligence requires an assessment of the treatment provided, the applicable standards of care, the clinical evidence and whether an alleged breach caused or materially contributed to the death.

The panel’s decision also does not establish whether the hospital bears institutional liability, which would depend on the relevant evidence and applicable legal principles.

The ongoing inquest and disciplinary proceedings will address separate aspects of the case, with the tribunal considering the allegations against Yahaya and the coroner examining the circumstances surrounding John’s death. The outcome of the proceedings will depend on the evidence and findings of the competent authorities.