The Nigerian center of Diesease control NCDC is on heat as Susan Idoko, has threatened it with a lawsuit if she was not released within seven days from the isolation and treatment centre in Abuja.
Seven weeks ago, Susan was said to have tested positive for the virus in Markudi, Benue state capital. Although she had then claimed not to be positive of the virus.
However the Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, on Wednesday said Idoko had refused to let the NCDC and other medical personnel take her samples, so they can do a final test on her before she was discharged.
Susan therefore went ahead to inform NCDC in a written letter dated 11th May, 2020. By her lawyer, Steven Eke, to the Director-General of NCDC, she threatened to file a law suit against the agency if she was not released within seven days.
The lawyer said his client has lost confidence in the capability of the NCDC and demanded an independent test to be conducted by the World Health Organisation under the supervision of the British High Commission and her personal physician.
The lawyer further said that the continued detention of Mrs Idoko in the name of isolation was a clear violation of her fundamental human rights and that she will head to court if it persists.
The letter reads in part, “Please note that if within seven days of receipt of this letter you do not release our client unconditionally from your isolation centre or conduct test as requested, we shall take up the legal option of going to court to enforce her fundamental rights to personal liberty and freedom of movement.”
Meanwhile, Ehanire disclosed on Friday at the daily briefing of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 that he had been able to persuade Idoko to consent to being tested.
According to the minister, the sample had been taken and the result will be out in a couple of days
