The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of Asaba Specialist Hospital, Dr Peace Ighosewe, has denied any involvement in the disappearance of a laparoscopy machine reportedly worth N100 million at the hospital.

The Guardian had earlier reported widespread outrage in Delta State over the alleged disappearance of the machine and other hospital equipment. Ighosewe, however, confirmed that the machine went missing “between the end of 2022 and the beginning of 2023” but maintained that she was not involved in its disappearance.

She challenged her accusers to provide evidence rather than make baseless claims, stating, “I wish those making these accusations would come forward with proof instead of remaining faceless.”

Ighosewe explained that the laparoscopy machine had been non-functional since she assumed office nine months after the hospital’s establishment. Despite her efforts to repair it by bringing in several engineers, the machine remained inoperative.

“It was eventually stored in the theatre and later moved to a rarely used room,” she said. When another engineer was brought in to fix the equipment, it was discovered that the machine was missing. Efforts to locate it in the hospital proved futile.

The CMD disclosed that the matter was reported to the Ministry of Health and the police. Following investigations, the police concluded that there was insufficient evidence to make a case.

Ighosewe refuted claims linking her to the theft, stating, “The police never mentioned my name as being involved.”

I am open to accountability—whether a relative or not, anyone found guilty will face the consequences.”

She added that no other equipment has gone missing at the hospital since the incident and called for an end to unsubstantiated accusations.