Elegant Nurses Forum urges Ogun CP to act as colleague allegedly beaten unconscious over water shortage
A serious allegation of workplace violence has rocked the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abeokuta, following an open petition addressed to the Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, accusing the hospital’s Head of Nursing Services (HNS), Nurse Fagoyinbo Abosede, of assault and attempted murder.
The petition, written on behalf of the Elegant Nurses Forum (ENF), alleges that Nurse Fagoyinbo violently attacked a Chief Nursing Officer (CNO), Nurse Odusola Oluwakemi, during an altercation at the hospital on January 15, 2026.
According to the petition, the incident occurred after some doctors reportedly requested water to carry out a medical procedure. The CNO allegedly explained that there was no water supply at the time due to an ongoing strike by some non-clinical workers. Hospital management was said to have intervened, with the Chief Medical Director (CMD) arranging a temporary supply of water.
Despite this intervention, the petition claims that Nurse Odusola was later summoned for questioning. During the interaction, the HNS allegedly confronted her aggressively, demanding an explanation for the initial lack of water. The CNO reportedly maintained that providing water was not part of her nursing duties, as nurses are trained primarily for clinical and professional responsibilities.
It was at this point, the petition alleges, that the situation escalated dramatically. Nurse Fagoyinbo is accused of charging at the CNO and pushing her forcefully, causing her to fall, lose consciousness, and sustain serious injuries. The victim was said to have bled from her mouth, nose, and ears before being rushed to the staff clinic, where she was admitted and treated.
Even more disturbing, according to the ENF, are claims that while the injured nurse was recuperating on sick leave, the HNS allegedly continued to threaten and harass her. The petition states that this alleged intimidation led to a relapse of her medical condition, with renewed bleeding, further endangering her health.
Describing the incident as “a brutal and life-threatening assault,” the Elegant Nurses Forum insists that the matter goes far beyond an internal workplace dispute. The group argues that the alleged actions amount to serious criminal offences under Nigerian law, including assault occasioning harm, grievous harm, criminal intimidation, and attempted murder.
“The force used, the loss of consciousness, and the severity of the injuries are such that death could reasonably have occurred,” the petition states, adding that continued threats against the victim demonstrate “recklessness, malice, and a total disregard for human life.”
In the petition, signed by Nurse Thomas Abiodun Olamide on behalf of the ENF, the group called on the Ogun State Commissioner of Police to take immediate action. Their demands include the arrest of Nurse Fagoyinbo Abosede, a thorough and impartial police investigation, prosecution in a court of competent jurisdiction, and adequate protection for the victim and potential witnesses.
The forum warned that failure to act decisively could embolden abuse of power and normalize violence within healthcare institutions, particularly against nurses who are already working under intense pressure.
As of the time of filing this report, neither FMC Abeokuta management nor the Ogun State Police Command had issued an official response to the allegations. Efforts to reach the accused for comments were unsuccessful.
The petition has, however, sparked widespread concern within the nursing community and beyond, with many calling for transparency, accountability, and justice as investigations are awaited.
