Bello reportedly passed away on Easter Sunday after being rushed to a hospital in Asaba, the Delta State capital. The Delta State Commissioner for Information, Charles Aniagwu, who announced her death, admitted that the precise circumstances surrounding Bello’s passing remained unclear.
Similarly, the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, confirmed that there were unresolved questions and controversies regarding the circumstances of her death.
In a statement issued on Friday, the family, through their spokesperson and family head, Mr Kimashinor Nwakalo-Imu, raised serious concerns, alleging that Bello’s death was the result of medical negligence. They insisted that the system had failed her in her time of need.
“This is more than a tragic loss; it is a painful consequence of a system that failed her when she needed it most. We urge the authorities to pursue a comprehensive and transparent probe into the events that led to her untimely death,” Nwakalo-Imu stated.
According to the family’s account, Bello, who was known to be a hypertensive patient, became critically ill over a period of two days. During that time, she reportedly received medical treatment at a hospital, but the family claimed that the care shereceived was inadequate and possibly fatal.
Nwakalo-Imu alleged that the person who attended to her had administered medication for stomach pain without first conducting essential checks such as blood pressure, blood sugar, or oxygen levels, which are crucial for hypertensive patients.
He further revealed that after Bello’s death, a used intravenous (IV) drip was discovered in a bin by a witness. Photographs of the IV bag identified it as Aventra 5% dextrose and saline — a fluid commonly used in stable patients but potentially dangerous for those with hypertension due to its salt and sugar content.
“This type of IV fluid can dangerously elevate blood pressure and cause fluid retention in patients with hypertension,” Nwakalo-Imu explained.
He added that the IV bottle was reportedly found with the needle and hub still attached, raising serious questions about the standard of medical care provided and the legality of the procedures undertaken.
The family further claimed that a preliminary coroner’s observation revealed that Bello had enlarged organs — a condition consistent with complications arising from unmanaged hypertension.
“Everything about this case screams negligence. She needed expert care. What she received was the opposite. We demand a thorough probe. Let justice be done for Shimite, and for every Nigerian who believes in the right to safe medical treatment,” Nwakalo-Imu said.
The family’s demand for an investigation has added weight to the growing calls for accountability in Bello’s case. The transfer of the investigation to Abuja is expected to ensure a more impartial and comprehensive inquiry.
