Lifestyle
Duchess International Hospital Faces Allegations Over Paediatric Care Lapses, Child Rights Concerns & Unresolved ₦14.3m Medical Bill
The parents of Aneesah Abdulkarim, a baby diagnosed with a congenital heart defect, has accused Duchess International Hospital, Ikeja, of medical mismanagement, child rights abuse and financial exploitation.
Aneesah was born on July 27, 2025, but barely six weeks later, doctors discovered she was living with Congenital Heart Defect (CHD) — a condition her parents say required urgent surgical intervention.
“The initial echocardiography report clearly stated that our baby needed surgery before three months of age,” her father, Engr. Dr. Abdulkarim Baba Rabiu, told NewsHeadline247. “We were warned that delaying the procedure could lead to serious complications.”
In search of specialised care, the family contacted Duchess International Hospital on September 16, 2025, through its Centre Manager. According to Dr. Rabiu, the hospital reviewed Aneesah’s medical reports and assured the family it had the expertise, manpower and equipment to handle the delicate pediatric cardiac surgery.
Two days later, an invoice was issued.
“They raised a bill of ₦14,305,000 for the surgery and told us that once payment was made, the procedure would be done immediately,” Dr. Rabiu said.
The family paid the full amount on October 6, 2025, trusting that their daughter’s life would soon be saved.
Shifting Medical Advice and Mounting Anxiety
Following payment, Aneesah was brought to the hospital on October 11 for preoperative assessment. However, the parents allege that only one test was conducted successfully, with the hospital blaming faulty equipment for the others.
“We were surprised that most of the preoperative tests could not be done because the equipment was ‘not in good condition,’” the father said. “Yet, we had already paid in full.”
More troubling for the family was what came next. According to them, the hospital suddenly changed its position on the urgency of the surgery.
“After payment, they told us the surgery was no longer an emergency and could wait until six months,” Dr. Rabiu said. “This was completely different from what our cardiologist and their initial assessment told us.”
Despite repeated emails and calls questioning the delay, the family says no clear explanation was provided. Eventually, they were informed that the surgery had been scheduled for December 19, 2025, with admission fixed for the day before.
Even that plan shifted at the last minute.
“Just two days to admission, they changed the date again and asked us to come late at night,” the father said. “At that point, we were exhausted but had no other option.”
A Surgery That Never Happened
On December 20, 2025, after hours of fasting in preparation for surgery, Aneesah was taken into the operating theatre. Three hours later, the parents were summoned by the surgical team.
What they were told, they say, left them shattered.
“One of the surgeons explained that after opening our baby’s chest, they discovered her pulmonary arterial pressure was too high,” Dr. Rabiu recounted. “They said they did not have the equipment to safely proceed.”
According to the parents, the procedure was abandoned.
“They opened her chest and stitched her back without repairing her heart,” he said. “That was not what we paid for.”
The parents were later allowed to see their daughter in the Cardio Care Unit.
“She was wrapped in bandages, with wires connected to her tiny body,” Dr. Rabiu said. “Seeing her in that condition was devastating!”
ICU Care, Complications and a Financial Shock
Aneesah was subsequently transferred to the Intensive Care Unit, where she developed infections including pneumonia and sepsis, conditions the parents attribute to the failed surgical intervention.
As the baby struggled to stabilise, another shock arrived.
“On December 31, a billing officer brought a statement showing they would refund just ₦1.63 million out of over ₦14 million,” Dr. Rabiu said. “We were completely stunned.”
A meeting with the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Olajide Ojo, followed. The parents say a verbal refund proposal of ₦6 million was made and rejected, before a revised offer of ₦7.65 million was later communicated.
“We found the offer grossly inadequate and psychologically traumatizing,” the father said. “Our baby was opened and closed without repair, yet we were expected to bear most of the cost.”
Demands and Allegations
The family now accuses Duchess International Hospital of misleading medical advice, inadequate pre-surgical assessment, lack of capacity to manage pediatric cardiac cases and violation of their child’s rights.
“They accepted payment to repair our child’s heart, not to open and close her for referral services,” Dr. Rabiu said.
The parents are demanding a full refund, continued medical care at no cost until Aneesah is fit to travel, support for overseas referral to India, a formal apology, and compensation for what they describe as emotional, psychological and physical trauma.
“We went to the hospital for healing,” the father said. “Instead, our baby’s life was put in greater danger.”
Hospital’s Response
Responding to enquiries from NewsHeadline247, Dr. Olajide Ojo, on behalf of Duchess International Hospital, said the hospital could not comment on specific details due to patient confidentiality laws.
“We are bound by strict legal and ethical obligations of confidentiality and patient privacy,” the statement read.
However, the hospital assured the public that the matter is being reviewed internally.
“All petitions and complaints received are subjected to thorough internal review processes, including clinical audits and management oversight, in line with our quality assurance standards,” the hospital stated.
Speaking further, Dr. Rabiu lamented that Aneesah’s condition has continued to worsen with each passing day, stressing that the same urgency with which the family was compelled to pay the ₦14,305,000 bill should now be applied to an immediate refund.
“Aneesah’s health is deteriorating daily. The urgency that pushed us to make full payment should equally be used in returning our money,” he said.
He added that as a medical institution, Duchess International Hospital should fully understand the fragility of his daughter’s condition and the dangers of further delay. According to him, the family cannot afford to wait while the hospital conducts internal audits or hides behind confidentiality claims.
“Our child may not have the luxury of time for internal reviews, privacy clauses or bureaucratic delays. After their medical inadequacies and misguidance, time should not be wasted. It is deeply painful to witness some healthcare providers in Nigeria deliver care in a way that strips patients of dignity, compassion and basic human feeling,” Dr. Rabiu stated.
As the dispute deepens, Aneesah’s case has raised broader questions about medical accountability, patient trust and pediatric care standards in Nigeria’s private health sector.
For one family, the search for justice continues — alongside the fight to keep their baby alive.
Business
Dr. Deji Adeleke: How Davido’s Billionaire Father Built His Business Empire; Major Companies Linked to Him
Dr. Deji Adeleke, the father of the globally recognized musician Davido, is not just known for his familial ties to the entertainment industry but also his immense wealth and substantial impact on Nigeria’s economic landscape. Born on March 6, 1957, in Enugu, Nigeria, Adedeji Adeleke has built a formidable empire through his business acumen and educational investments.
Adeleke’s Business Ventures
Dr. Adeleke founded Pacific Holdings Limited in 1983, which has grown into a major conglomerate in Nigeria, encompassing various sectors such as agriculture, energy, and real estate.
This company is a cornerstone of his financial success, with divisions like Pacific Farm Limited, Pacific Freightliners Limited, and Pacific Gas Company Limited contributing significantly to his wealth.
Adeleke’s Real Estate Investments
Adeleke’s real estate portfolio is vast and diversified. He owns properties across Nigeria, including high-value areas like Ikoyi, Lekki, Banana Island, and Victoria Island in Lagos. Additionally, he has invested in international properties, including a mansion in Atlanta, USA, which he acquired to celebrate his 60th birthday.
Adeleke’s University and Philanthropy
In line with his passion for education, Adeleke founded Adeleke University in Ede, Osun State, under the auspices of the Springtime Development Foundation, which he established in 1996. The university operates on the Seventh-day Adventist philosophy of education and offers various undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
His philanthropic efforts extend beyond education, impacting healthcare and community development. These initiatives not only enhance his public image but also contribute to long-term societal benefits, reinforcing his legacy as a socially responsible entrepreneur.

Adeleke’s Luxurious Lifestyle
Dr. Adeleke’s lifestyle reflects his financial success. He owns luxury cars such as a Rolls Royce Phantom and a 2017 Bentley Mulsanne, and he flies in style with his Bombardier Global Express 6000 private jet, valued at $62 million.
Adeleke’s Net Worth
Estimations of Adeleke’s net worth vary, with some sources placing it around $700 million, while others suggest it could be as high as $2 billion. His wealth is attributed to his diversified investments in real estate, stocks, and bonds, alongside the thriving operations of Pacific Holdings Limited.

Adeleke’s Family and Personal Life
Adeleke is a father to four children: Adewale, David (Davido), Sharon, and Coco Adeleke. Despite initial resistance to Davido’s music career, he eventually supported his son’s passion, even funding the establishment of a music department at Babcock University for him. Today, Davido is not only a successful musician but also a director in the family business.
Conclusion
Dr. Deji Adeleke’s story is one of remarkable success through strategic education, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy. His wealth and business acumen have positioned him as one of Nigeria’s most influential figures, contributing significantly to the nation’s economic and social development. As he continues to invest and expand his empire, his legacy is set to influence future generations both within and outside Nigeria.
Adeleke’s Early Life and Education
Adeleke’s journey began in an affluent family in Lagos. He attended Ansar-ud-Deen Primary School and Seventh-Day Adventist Grammar School before moving to the United States, where he earned a degree in Finance from Western Kentucky University in 1979, followed by an MBA. Furthering his education, he obtained a Ph.D. in International Business from Pacific Columbia University, and another Ph.D. in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix in 2010.
– kashgain
Lifestyle
REVEALED: 10 Most Expensive Things Erling Haaland Spends His Money On [FULL LIST]
Erling Haaland is a 25-year-old Norwegian professional football player who’s recently been going viral for one reason or another. First, his hair looks rather goofy. Second, he’s regarded as one of the best and most dominant shooters in the world, with his extreme speed, strength, and clinical precision. And third, the guy is not only loaded but also extremely generous.
Haaland’s most expensive purchases span real estate, high-fashion style, jets, massive farewell gifts, and more, so let’s see just how rich this football legend really is.

1. The Custom Biohacking Cryotherapy Chamber — $60,000
Known for his obsessive physical recovery routines, Haaland spent a small fortune to install a state-of-the-art cryotherapy chamber directly into his home. The walk-in pod uses liquid nitrogen to drop temperatures to a freezing -140°C (-220°F) to rapidly reduce inflammation and speed up muscle recovery after games. And you know it works because of the unmatched results.
2. The 1594 Viking Saga Manuscript — $134,000
This ancient Viking Saga manuscript is the single most expensive book ever sold at an auction in Norway. Haaland and his father placed an anonymous bid to secure the only surviving, complete copy of the 1594 edition of Heimskringla (The Sagas of the Kings). He immediately donated the historical artifact to his hometown library in Bryne so the public could view it for free. He’s pretty much a national hero at this point.
3. Audemars Piguet Royal Oak “Black Panther” Concept — $350,000
This little baby is an incredibly rare, futuristic piece of watchmaking micromechanics. Only 250 pieces have been produced worldwide. This gorgeous watch features a hand-painted, 18-carat white gold 3D sculpture of the Marvel superhero Black Panther on the dial, set into a titanium and ceramic case.
4. The Borussia Dortmund Farewell Gifts — $600,000+
When leaving German football club Borussia Dortmund for Manchester City, Haaland spent over half a million dollars on a massive parting gesture. He purchased and custom-engraved 30 luxury Rolex watches (valued at around $16,000 each) for all of his teammates, alongside 20 Omega watches (valued at roughly $5,000 each) for the team’s coaching and medical staff.
5. The Patek Philippe Nautilus “Tiffany Blue” 5711 — $2.5+ Million
While Haaland owns a massive and extremely expensive watch collection, his absolute crown jewel is the legendary timepiece Patek Philippe Nautilus “Tiffany Blue” 5711. Featuring a striking turquoise dial, only 170 units were ever made to mark the partnership between Patek Philippe and Tiffany & Co. While the retail price wasn’t a whole lot, it’s the secondary market that boosted the value tremendously. Acquiring one of these watches requires top-tier brand status, not to mention some really deep pockets, of which Haaland has both.

6. Luxury Apartment in Oslo — $3.28 Million
Everyone needs a home, even if they travel a lot and live in a different country. So, to maintain a permanent foothold in his home country, Haaland invested in a high-end apartment in Oslo, Norway’s capital. Located in an exclusive residential enclave, the property serves as his private base whenever he returns home for international breaks or off-season training.
7. The Bugatti Tourbillon Hypercar — $5.0 Million
You’ve heard of speedy cars and supercars, but this one’s a bit different. The ultimate masterpiece in Haaland’s densely populated garage is this ultra-exclusive hybrid hypercar, limited to just 250 units worldwide—the Bugatti Tourbillon. Replacing the legendary Bugatti Chiron, it features an 8.3-liter V16 engine running alongside three electric motors that generate a staggering 1,800 horsepower and a top speed clearing 440 km/h. This hypercar is undoubtedly Haaland’s favorite, and we can’t blame him.
8. The Pilatus PC-12 Private Jet — $5.3 Million
While he initially co-owned a smaller Piper M600, Haaland decided to upgrade his private fleet with this luxury turboprop, dubbed the “Swiss Army knife of planes.” It features a custom BMW-designed cabin interior, six high-end business-class seats, and a pressurized cabin allowing him to travel quietly and securely between international matches and family holidays. Celebrities& Entertainment News
9. The Marbella Golden Mile Villa — $7.12 Million
Haaland bought this 22,000-square-foot luxury villa, which acts as his main holiday home at the time when he was supposedly moving to Spain. The elite resort-style estate is tailor-made for his intense athletic recovery routines, complete with an outdoor swimming pool, an advanced gym, a sauna, an underground level for total privacy, and its own personal football pitch. Celebrities& Entertainment News
10. The Cheshire Countryside Estate — $8.21 Million
As if the villa in Spain weren’t enough of a flex, Halland also purchased the Cheshire Countryside Estate as his primary residence in England. This newly built 10-bedroom, four-story mansion sits on a massive property that has all you’d ever want or need, like a private lake, a huge swimming pool, horse stables, landscaped gardens, and a large treehouse. He also recently acquired planning permits to add an expansive garage to the estate, so he’ll probably be getting even more luxurious cars.
Lifestyle
FULL LIST: Breakdown of Nigerian Ambassadors’ Salaries, Allowances Revealed
BREAKDOWN EMERGES

Nigerian ambassadors’ pay packages have come under renewed attention. Fresh figures revealed that while basic salaries remained modest, allowances significantly boosted overall compensation for diplomats posted abroad
Reports showed that total monthly take-home pay often reached several million naira, reflecting the high costs of overseas postings
According to Salary.com, as of December 2025, the average annual salary for employees at the Nigerian Embassy in the United States stood at $93,909. This translated to an approximate hourly wage of $45.
Salaries at the embassy typically ranged from $82,124 to $107,453 annually, reflecting the diverse roles and levels of experience within the organisation. Reports indicated that pay was influenced by factors such as job role, department, years of service, and location.
Nigerian Ambassador Salary Structure
Rufai Oseni of Arise TV reported that the salary of Nigerian ambassadors was governed by the Consolidated Diplomatic, Consular and Foreign Service Cadre Salary Structure (CONPSS) in the Nigerian public service. Ambassadors usually fell into the highest grade levels, GL 17 or equivalent, with additional allowances for overseas postings.
Based on government budget allocations, salary surveys, and reports on foreign service personnel costs, the basic salary was described as modest by international standards but supplemented by substantial allowances.
Basic Salary of Nigerian Ambassadors Monthly Basic Pay:
Approximately ₦800,000 to ₦1,200,000 (about $485–$727 USD).
Annual Basic Salary: ₦9.6 million to ₦14.4 million (about $5,818–$8,727 USD).
These figures were drawn from the CONPSS scale for top-tier diplomatic officers. Entry-level foreign service officers reportedly earned around ₦300,000–₦500,000 monthly, but ambassadors, being at the top of the career ladder, commanded the upper end.
The figures also aligned with general public sector pay for Grade Level 17 officers, adjusted for inflation and the 2025 minimum wage increase to ₦70,000.
Allowances and Total Compensation
Reports highlighted that basic pay alone did not reflect the full compensation package.
Nigerian ambassadors posted overseas received allowances designed to offset high living expenses, hardship, and representational duties.
Total monthly take-home pay often exceeded ₦2–5 million ($1,212–$3,030 USD), depending on the host country.
The release of estimated salaries shed light on the financial structure of Nigeria’s foreign service. While the basic salary remained modest compared to international standards, allowances ensured that ambassadors were adequately supported in their overseas postings.
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