16th May, 2020
Benue state COVID-19 index case, Susan Idoko has threatened to sue the Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC) if they fail to release her from the Abuja isolation center within the next seven days.
The index case, Idoko has been having a face off with the government since she was diagnosed with the deadly virus.
Idoko disclosed that she has been in isolation for 53 days now without showing any symptoms of the disease and insisted that she does not have the virus.
Reacting to the development, the Minister of Health, Osagie Ehanire on Wednesday said Mrs. Idoko had refused to let the NCDC and other medical personnel take her samples so they can do a final test on her before she is discharged
Addressing newsmen in Abuja on Friday May 15, her lawyer, Mr. Steven Eke said his client has lost confidence in the capabilities of the NCDC.
Steven Eke said Mrs. Idoko demands an independent test to be conducted by the World Health Organization under the supervision of the British High Commission and her personal physician.
The lawyer said the continued detention of Mrs. Idoko in the name of isolation is a clear violation of her fundamental human rights and that she will head to court if it persists.
However, the Minister of Health, Osagie Ehanire at the daily press briefing of the Presidential Task Force in Abuja on Friday, May 14 said he has persuaded Mrs. Idoko to consent to being tested.
He said that her sample has been taken and the result will be out in a couple of days.