Mr. Agwu Okorie Sampson, a 76-year-old man from Umuahia, has made a desperate appeal to be allowed to see the body of his late daughter, Chidinma Okorie Sampson, who passed away on March 10, 2024, at Mother Mary Mission Hospital. The hospital management has reportedly denied him access to her corpse due to unpaid medical bills.

Chidinma, a 23-year-old hairstylist, was undergoing chemotherapy treatment at the hospital when she tragically passed away on the 19th day of her 20-day treatment. The family has been struggling to pay the outstanding balance of 700,000 naira from the initial bill of 1.5 million naira.

In an emotional interview, Mr. Sampson begged the Abia State government and the public for assistance, stating that he has been denied access to his daughter’s body while he tries to gather the funds. He fears that he may soon die of heartbreak and frustration if he is not allowed to see her.

The hospital management has offered to reduce the outstanding bill by 250,000 naira but still insists on full payment before releasing the body for burial. Mr. Sampson has pleaded for leniency, asking to be allowed to view his daughter’s remains while he continues to source funds.

The hospital’s representative, Temple Onuoha, confirmed that the Sampson family owes money but declined to comment on whether they have been denied access to the body, promising to provide further details later.