Man loses memory after month-long coma in Lagos

A man identified as Femi Ojo has lost his memory after spending three weeks in comatose at the Lagos State University, the state’s capital, Ikeja.

This was disclosed to our correspondent when he visited LASUTH to ascertain the conditions of the man on Tuesday.

Mr Ojo, who was still frail, could not speak or write when asked questions about him or his family. He only whispered “Femi Ojo” when asked about his name.

All attempts to write additional information about him or his family when given writing materials failed as his limbs were weak.

A woman named Funmi Azike met the man lying unconscious on August 10 as she drove along Works Road in GRA Ikeja.

While narrating the incident to Saturday PUNCH, Azike said she called the emergency services after contacting her church’s Prisons and Hospital Ministry, Archbishop Vining Memorial Church Cathedral, Ikeja.

Azike said Ojo was rushed to the LASUTH when the ambulance did not come from the state government despite repeated calls, but the state’s hospital said no available beds in the facility.

“It was the Airforce Hospital that stabilised the man and provided all necessary first aid,” Azike said.

My Ojo was eventually transferred to LASUTH Emergency on August 13 for intensive care where extensive tests, Computed Tomography, and X-rays were conducted to salvage his life.

“He was in a coma for almost a month and was on oxygen,” Azike stated. “Some members of the ministry and I have spent close to N1.2 million for this man.”

Meanwhile, Azike said the state’s teaching hospital wanted to discharge the patient after having resuscitated him and his address could be used to trace his family since he could not talk.

“A series of tests done revealed he had an injury to the brain caused by trauma,” Azike added.

One of the hospital’s healthcare staff, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said the man still needed more medical attention.