Anxiety Grows as Lagos Patient Disappears from Hospital

The family of 42-year-old Kehinde Albert is appealing for public assistance after he went missing from General Hospital, Gbagada, Lagos, on February 27.

Kehinde had been receiving medical attention in preparation for an alcohol rehabilitation programme. His elder brother, Olatunde, told our correspondent that Kehinde, who has struggled with alcoholism for years, was brought to the hospital on February 26 alongside his twin brother for routine medical tests required by the rehabilitation centre.

“On arrival, he experienced seizures and was admitted. After treatment, he seemed stable, so I left him in his twin brother’s care while I purchased prescribed medications,” Olatunde said. He later discovered his brother missing and was told conflicting accounts by hospital staff regarding Kehinde’s departure.

Hospital officials explained that Kehinde and his twin initially attempted to leave without completing necessary tests, prompting staff to intervene. After completing registration and treatment procedures, the brothers insisted on leaving, and Kehinde was formally discharged. Two hours later, he could not be located.

Dr. Olusegun Babafemi, Medical Director at General Hospital, Gbagada, confirmed that Kehinde was discharged voluntarily and noted that the hospital has limited responsibility for patients after formal discharge. Staff circulated Kehinde’s photograph internally and advised the family to check familiar locations.

The family is urging anyone with information on Kehinde’s whereabouts to come forward, emphasizing the urgency following the recent loss of their mother.