Spanish Doctor Jailed Over Death of Nigeria’s First Lady Stella Obasanjo

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Stella Obasanjo death Spain: The tragic death of Nigeria’s former First Lady, Stella Obasanjo, remains one of the most widely discussed medical negligence cases involving a prominent African figure treated abroad. Fresh details from court proceedings and earlier investigations show how a routine cosmetic procedure in Spain ended in fatal complications and a criminal conviction.

Background: Routine Surgery Turned Fatal

Stella Obasanjo, wife of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, died on October 23, 2005, in Marbella, Spain, after undergoing elective liposuction at the Molding Clinic.

The procedure, carried out by Spanish plastic surgeon Antonio Mena, was initially described as routine. However, complications began during surgery when a cannula used for fat removal was wrongly inserted into her abdominal cavity.

Perforation of the colon
Laceration of the liver
Severe internal bleeding and infection

Medical experts later confirmed that the injuries required urgent advanced emergency intervention, which was not provided in time.

Critical Delays and Medical Failures

Investigations later exposed serious lapses in care after the procedure:

Doctor unreachable: Antonio Mena reportedly switched off his phone after surgery
Delay in ICU transfer: The First Lady was not immediately moved to intensive care
Improper transport: She was transported in the doctor’s private car instead of an ambulance

These delays significantly worsened her condition and contributed to her death.

Spanish Court Verdict

In September 2009, a court in Málaga, Spain, found Antonio Mena guilty of negligent homicide.

Sentence:

One-year prison sentence
Three-year ban from medical practice
€120,000 compensation awarded to her son, Olumuyiwa Obasanjo

The ruling held that the surgeon’s actions fell below acceptable medical standards and directly caused the fatal outcome.

International Reaction

The case attracted global attention because Stella Obasanjo was a sitting First Lady at the time of her death. Nigerian officials and the public demanded accountability and transparency.

It also ignited debates on:

Medical tourism risks
Cosmetic surgery safety standards
International medical liability protections

Legacy of the Case

Years later, the case remains a major reference point in discussions about patient safety and medical accountability across borders.

For many Nigerians, Stella Obasanjo’s death remains a painful reminder that even routine procedures can turn deadly when professional standards are not followed.