The Elegant Nurses Forum (ENF) has petitioned the Federal Ministry of Health and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over alleged retirement fraud, abuse of office and financial misconduct by the Head of Nursing Services at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH).
In separate petitions dated January 19, the nurses’ group accused the officer of unlawfully remaining in office after her statutory retirement and allegedly coercing subordinate nurses to contribute money for a retirement ceremony that was never held.
According to the petition signed by Nurse Thomas Abiodun Olamide on behalf of the forum, the officer proceeded on terminal leave in 2025 and was due for retirement on January 9, 2026, having reached the mandatory service threshold under the Public Service Rules.
However, ENF alleged that despite the expiration of her tenure, she has refused to disengage from service and continues to occupy the office of Head of Nursing Services, exercising official authority without lawful basis.
The forum further alleged that before her retirement date, nurses under her supervision were compelled to make monetary contributions for a proposed send-forth ceremony, with refusal allegedly attracting intimidation, victimisation and punitive postings.
“The send-forth ceremony was never held, and the funds were allegedly diverted for personal use, including financing a private birthday celebration, with no transparency, refund or account rendered to affected nurses,” the petition stated.
ENF also cited a recent Federal Government circular on extension of service, which requires officers seeking extension to apply formally, attach a medical fitness certificate and do so at least three months before retirement.
The group claimed the officer failed to meet these conditions, making her continued stay in office “null, void and contrary to law.”
The nurses said the alleged misconduct had created fear and psychological distress among staff, undermined discipline and morale within LUTH, deprived unemployed nurses of job opportunities and brought the nursing profession into disrepute.
They urged the Minister of Health to order the immediate disengagement of the officer in line with public service rules, institute an independent investigation into the alleged diversion of funds and ensure refunds to affected nurses where established.
In its petition to the ICPC, ENF also requested a full probe into the alleged retirement fraud, abuse of office and financial misconduct, with appropriate sanctions and prosecution if infractions are confirmed.
Efforts to reach LUTH management and the officer concerned for comments were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
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