The University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) in Enugu State has denied claims that a woman died during surgery, stating she passed away while under management for cervical cancer. The hospital also refuted allegations that her two children were given to unknown persons. Relatives have since taken custody of the body and children after settling bills.
More details emerged on Monday evening, October 27, 2025, regarding the death of Chinyere Jennifer James at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) in Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu State. The woman, who was diagnosed with cancer of the cervix, reported to the facility without relatives and accompanied by her two young children. Contrary to a viral social media video alleging she died during surgery, UNTH's Public Relations Officer, Boniface Uchelue, confirmed that no surgery was performed.
Uchelue explained that James was admitted to female ward 9 with two diagnoses and weak vitals. 'There were no surgeries of any sort on her. Her vitals were weak, and she reported without any of her relatives. She came here with two kids, and while they were here, she breathed her last and her body was deposited at the morgue,' he stated. A female caregiver, moved by pity, temporarily took the children while the body was at the morgue.
Later, the pastor from James's church arrived with her cousin, identified as Uche. The relative paid the hospital and mortuary bills, then took the corpse and the two children into custody. Uchelue emphasized, 'Now, the pastor of the church she attended was here with a relative of hers. The relative paid her hospital and mortuary bills and took her away alongside her two children. There was no case of handing over the deceased’s children to unknown people.'
Uche corroborated the account, expressing embarrassment over the social media video. 'We would like to know who shot the video and why she did so,' she said. The hospital provided details of the caregiver, pastor, and cousin to clarify the sequence of events, countering the misinformation spread online.