In an open petition seen by SaharaReporters on Friday, the forum accused the HNS of carrying out a “brutal and life-threatening assault” on the Chief Nursing Officer (CNO), Nurse Odusola Oluwakemi, during an incident that reportedly occurred on January 15, 2026 within the hospital premises.
The Elegant Nurses Forum (ENF) has petitioned the Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Police Command, demanding the immediate arrest, investigation, and prosecution of the Head of Nursing Services (HNS) at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abeokuta, Nurse Fagoyinbo Abosede, over an alleged violent assault on a senior nurse.
In an open petition seen by SaharaReporters on Friday, the forum accused the HNS of carrying out a “brutal and life-threatening assault” on the Chief Nursing Officer (CNO), Nurse Odusola Oluwakemi, during an incident that reportedly occurred on January 15, 2026 within the hospital premises.
The petition was signed by Nurse Thomas Abiodun Olamide on behalf of the Elegant Nurses Forum.
“We write this open petition on behalf of the Elegant Nurses Forum (ENF) to formally request your urgent intervention in a grievous criminal matter involving Nurse Fagoyinbo Abosede, the Head of Nursing Services (HNS), Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abeokuta,” the petition read.
According to the ENF, the incident began when some doctors approached the CNO requesting water to enable them carry out a medical procedure. The CNO reportedly explained that there was no water supply at the time due to an ongoing strike by some non-clinical workers.
The issue was said to have been escalated to hospital management, prompting the Chief Medical Director (CMD) to arrange a temporary water supply.
Despite this intervention, the ENF alleged that the CNO was later summoned for questioning, during which the HNS confronted her aggressively over the lack of water provision.
“The CNO politely responded that the provision of water is not part of her nursing duties, as nurses are trained strictly for clinical and professional responsibilities,” the forum stated.
The ENF alleged that the confrontation turned violent when the HNS “charged at her and pushed her,” causing the CNO to fall, lose consciousness, and begin bleeding from her mouth, nose, and ears.
“She was rushed to the staff clinic, admitted, treated, and later discharged with medical advice to rest,” the petition added.
The forum further alleged that while the nurse was on sick leave, the HNS continued to threaten and harass her, leading to a relapse of bleeding. According to the ENF, this conduct demonstrated “clear recklessness, malice, and disregard for human life.”
In its petition, the Nurses Forum cited relevant provisions of the Criminal Code Act, arguing that the alleged actions amount to serious criminal offences, including assault occasioning harm, grievous harm, attempted murder, and criminal intimidation.
“These are not internal workplace matters but serious criminal offences that fall squarely within the mandate of the Nigeria Police Force,” the group stated.
The ENF demanded the immediate arrest of Nurse Fagoyinbo Abosede, a thorough and impartial investigation, prosecution in a court of competent jurisdiction, and protection for the victim and potential witnesses.
“Allowing this matter to go unaddressed will send a dangerous message that violence, abuse of power, and attempted killing can be committed with impunity,” the petition warned.
In a separate press statement, the ENF said it “strongly condemns, in the clearest terms, the violent assault” on Nurse Odusola Oluwakemi, describing the alleged act as “inhumane and unprofessional conduct.”
Following the incident, the forum disclosed that several nurses at FMC Abeokuta had contacted the ENF, alleging a long-standing pattern of intimidation, abuse of power, forceful extortion, unexplained salary deductions, and punitive transfers under the current HNS.
“The ENF wishes to state clearly that nurses are healthcare professionals, not maids or domestic workers,” the statement said. “Nurses are trained and employed for clinical care, patient safety, and professional health services, not to fetch water or perform non-clinical duties outside their job description.”
The forum also called for an independent investigation, the immediate relief of the HNS from office pending the outcome, medical and legal support for the victim, protection for whistleblowers, and a full audit of alleged financial deductions.
“It is deeply shameful that a senior Nurse, who should protect and mentor colleagues, is instead accused of actions that damage the image, dignity, and standards of the Nursing profession,” the ENF added.
“We stand firmly with Nurse Odusola Oluwakemi and all Nurses facing oppression and injustice,” the forum declared, adding, “An injury to one Nurse is an injury to the profession.”