An autopsy report has cleared Med-Vical Medical Centre, Benin City, Edo State, of any wrongdoing in the death of a set of premature twin babies, whose deaths had earlier sparked outrage and allegations of negligence from their parents.

The autopsy report released on November 3, 2025, has exonerated the medical facility of complicity in the case. The final report was read on Wednesday in the presence of the Edo State Commissioner of Police, officials of the Ministry of Health, and representatives of the Nigerian Medical Association (Edo State Chapter).

PUNCH Online had reported on August 27 that the death of the twins led to a dispute between their parents, Mr and Mrs Jerry Sylvester, and the hospital management.

While the parents accused the hospital of negligence and secrecy—alleging that one of the twins was taken to the mortuary without their consent—the hospital denied wrongdoing, insisting it did everything possible to save the babies.

The couple had petitioned the police for an investigation.

However, the autopsy conducted on September 4, 2025, by four independent pathologists—Dr. Ducan Iyawe, Dr. D.E. Imasogie, Dr. K.O. Abinokhauno, and Dr. Ijomone (the police pathologist) revealed that the babies died of natural causes.

The report, presented the media, listed the cause of death as foetal squames in the lungs leading to respiratory distress, acute foetal asphyxia, neonatal sepsis, and bronchopneumonia.

“The autopsy has shown clearly that the babies died of natural causes and there was no case of negligence, secrecy, or malpractice as alleged,” it read.

The team noted that the twins’ organs were intact and that death resulted from complications linked to extreme prematurity and severe illness.

Speaking for Med-Vical Medical Centre’s management, Ms. Onyedikachi Nwizu expressed relief at the findings, describing the ordeal as distressing for both the parents and the hospital.

She said, “We are happy that the autopsy report has been read, and it was found that we were not complicit in the death of the twins. We did our best to ensure the babies survived.”

Nwizu added that the hospital had instructed its legal team to take steps to restore its reputation and reaffirmed its commitment to quality healthcare delivery in line with global best practices. (The PUNCH)