JOY IN PORT HARCOURT: RIVERS STATE GOVERNMENT SECURES FREEDOM FOR BABY MIRACLE AND GRANDMOTHER WITH STRINGENT CONDITIONS OVER UNPAID HOSPITAL BILL
By Emeka Amaefula
A wave of overwhelming joy and relief swept through Port Harcourt this afternoon as the long and painful ordeal of Baby Miracle and his grandmother came to an end — thanks to the swift and compassionate intervention of the Rivers State Government under the leadership of His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, Executive Governor of Rivers State.
For over a year, the story of Baby Miracle — detained alongside his aged grandmother at Meridian Hospital, D/Line, Port Harcourt — tugged at the hearts of Nigerians. Their freedom had been held back over an unpaid hospital bill to the tune of N4.6m, sparking outrage, tears, and a massive outpouring of sympathy across the country.
Earlier today Tuesday 28th of October 2025, Dr. (Mrs.) Tari Bozimo had dialogue with the hospital’s management. Not long after, hope broke through. Moved by the emotional story I published about their unjust detention, the Rivers State Commissioner for Health, Dr. (Mrs.) Adaeze Oreh (née Odili), promptly took decisive action a day before today.
Upon reading the report, Dr. Oreh immediately mobilized a powerful intervention team from the Ministry of Health to Meridian Hospital. The delegation met with the hospital’s management and reviewed all pending documents. Before evening fell, the necessary papers were signed — and Baby Miracle and his grandmother were officially released from detention.
This heartwarming development stands as a shining testament to the power of journalism, advocacy, and government responsiveness working hand-in-hand to defend humanity.
SHOWERS OF PRAISE AND GRATITUDE
Great commendations go to Dr. (Mrs.) Adaeze Oreh, whose compassion and prompt intervention restored dignity and hope to a family that had suffered in silence. Her exemplary leadership in the health sector continues to reflect the humane spirit of the Fubara administration.
Special appreciation also flows to Dr. (Mrs.) Tari Bozimo, the indefatigable coordinator of the campaign for Baby Miracle’s release. Her tireless efforts, coordination of the crowdfunding appeal, and emotional commitment were pivotal in rallying support and drawing attention to this tragic situation.
Equally deserving of recognition is Mr. Emeka Amaefula — journalist, author, and writer — whose whistleblowing report first broke the silence surrounding this heart-wrenching case. His persistence, empathy, and professional courage helped ignite public concern and triggered the compassionate intervention of the state government.
Above all, heartfelt thanks go to His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, Governor of Rivers State, whose administration continues to demonstrate that governance can truly have a human face. His government’s swift response to this humanitarian crisis has reaffirmed faith in leadership that listens, cares, and acts.
Finally, to all Nigerians and kind-hearted individuals who retweeted, shared, prayed, and contributed — your compassion helped transform despair into deliverance.
As Baby Miracle and his grandmother breathe the fresh air of freedom again, may this story stand as a beacon of hope and a reminder that together, we can make miracles happen.
However, there are stringent conditions said to have been attached to their release from the hospital. Details of the conditions as at the time of going to press were not made available
. With the latest information about stringent conditions, their freedom from being held because of unpaid hospital treatment Bill remain a mirage if Rivers State Government reneges in providing the needed financial assistance for writing off the hospital Bill.
— Emeka Amaefula —-+234(0)8111813069—
