In a shocking and tragic case that has captured significant attention, 28-year-old Nigerian nurse Ruth Auta has been sentenced to three years in prison in the United Kingdom after abandoning her 10-week-old son, Joshua Akerele, in her accommodation to die while she worked an eight-hour shift at Royal Bolton Hospital. The incident occurred on December 20, 2022, when Auta, a healthcare professional tasked with caring for others, neglected the care of her own infant son.
On the fateful day, Auta left baby Joshua alone in her nurse’s accommodation, leaving him unsupervised for hours as she went to work. Upon returning, she discovered Joshua lying lifeless in his cot. Panicked, she called emergency services, telling the 999 operator that her son was not breathing. Despite her frantic call, it was too late—Joshua had already passed away.
What made the case even more disturbing was Auta’s initial attempt to mislead the authorities. When questioned by the police, she fabricated a story, claiming that after her shift, she had collected Joshua from a childminder, taken him home, fed him, and placed him on her bed. She said she then fell asleep next to him, only to wake up later to find him unresponsive. However, this was far from the truth.
During their investigation, the police quickly uncovered inconsistencies in Auta’s account of events. CCTV footage from her accommodation showed her leaving and returning without the baby on the day Joshua died. This critical piece of evidence proved that her initial story was false.
Further incriminating evidence came to light in the form of text messages. Auta had sent desperate texts to her childminder, urging her to lie to the police and claim that she had been looking after Joshua that day. However, the childminder refused to comply with this deception and truthfully told the officers that she hadn’t seen Joshua for several days before the incident.
With both CCTV footage and the childminder’s testimony, it became clear that Auta had lied about her actions. She was subsequently charged with child cruelty, a serious offense that led to her appearance in court.
Auta pleaded guilty to child cruelty at Manchester Magistrates’ Court on May 24, 2024. Her guilty plea was an acknowledgment of the grave negligence and abandonment of her infant son, leading to his tragic death. Despite her admission, the case took another troubling turn when, on June 6, 2024, Auta attempted to flee the country. She was detained at Gatwick Airport while attempting to board a one-way flight back to Nigeria. Her actions demonstrated an intent to evade justice, further compounding the seriousness of her crime.
Following her failed attempt to flee, Auta was brought back into custody, and her sentencing was scheduled. During the legal proceedings at Bolton Crown Court, the severity of her actions was highlighted by the prosecution. Sara Davie, District Crown Prosecutor for CPS North West, delivered a scathing indictment of Auta’s behavior, stating, “Whilst she went to work to provide care for other people, Ruth Auta left the very person who needed her care the most home alone.”
Davie further emphasized Auta’s lack of remorse throughout the case, noting how the nurse had misled the police about her childcare arrangements and attempted to escape accountability by fleeing the country. Despite her position as a healthcare professional entrusted with the well-being of others, Auta failed to provide the most basic care for her own child, leading to Joshua’s tragic and avoidable death.
Joshua Akerele’s death has left many in shock and mourning, particularly within the Nigerian and African communities in the UK. The idea that a mother could abandon her own child for work, only to return and find him lifeless, has sparked outrage and sadness.
The case also raises important questions about the pressures faced by single mothers, especially those in demanding professions such as healthcare. While no profession justifies neglect, Auta’s decision to leave her newborn unattended speaks to potential struggles with balancing work and childcare. However, these challenges, no matter how difficult, cannot excuse the abandonment that resulted in Joshua’s death.
Many have expressed sympathy for baby Joshua, whose life was tragically cut short before he even had a chance to experience the world. Activists and community leaders have called for greater awareness of the support systems available to working parents, emphasizing the need for better access to childcare, especially for those in professions like nursing that often require long and irregular hours.
On September 10, 2024, Auta was sentenced to three years in prison for child cruelty. While some might argue that the sentence seems lenient given the tragic consequences, legal experts point out that Auta’s guilty plea and the nature of her crime—negligence rather than direct violence—factored into the sentencing decision. Nonetheless, the case serves as a stark reminder of the responsibilities that come with parenthood, and the devastating consequences when those responsibilities are neglected.
Sara Davie expressed the sentiments of many when she said, “Our thoughts and sympathies are with all those who have been affected by Joshua’s death.” Joshua’s passing has left a profound impact not only on those who knew him but also on the broader community, as his story highlights the dangers of neglect and the critical importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of the most vulnerable members of society.
As the case draws to a close, the focus now shifts to ensuring that tragedies like this do not happen again. There are ongoing discussions about the support systems available for single parents in demanding jobs and how employers and communities can better assist those struggling to balance work and family life.
For Ruth Auta, her three-year sentence will provide time for reflection on the devastating consequences of her actions. For the community, it is a time of mourning and a reminder of the need to protect and prioritize the welfare of children.
As baby Joshua is laid to rest, his story serves as a sobering reminder of the fragility of life and the critical role parents and caregivers play in nurturing and safeguarding the next generation. The tragedy of his death will not be forgotten, and it is hoped that his passing will lead to greater awareness and action to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
