In a dramatic court testimony on Monday, a 16-year-old boy revealed to the FCT High Court in Zuba that he was offered N1 million by Mr. Emmanuel Olorunlaye to have his kidney removed at Alliance Hospital in Abuja.
Led by prosecuting counsel Hassan Tahir, the teenager's account unfolded as part of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) case. NAPTIP has brought forth charges against the defendants, including Alliance Hospital, on 11 counts related to organ harvesting.
Among the defendants are Dr. Christopher Otabor, the Medical Director of Alliance Hospital, Emmanuel Olorunlaye, Chikaodili Ugochukwu, the hospital's Administrative Secretary, and Dr. Aremu Abayomi.
According to the boy's narrative, he encountered Olorunlaye, purportedly the manager of Alliance Hospital, through a friend in February 2023.
The witness recounted, "My friend informed me that we were going for a job at Alliance Hospital. Olorunlaye took us for blood samples and gave us transport money. He then inquired if I understood what was to happen at the hospital."
"I declined the offer," the boy continued, "and Olorunlaye instructed us to return to the hospital for the initial task of medication distribution."
Upon their return to the hospital, the boy alleged, Olorunlaye persisted in his offer, eventually leading the teenager to Ugochukwu, who escorted him to an FCT high court where he purportedly signed documents.
He detailed being taken to Eco Lab for a scan and then returned to Alliance Hospital, where he was prepared for surgery.
Following the operation, the boy claimed, Olorunlaye told him the procedure was successful and revealed that his kidney had been removed.
"He said he couldn't provide cash due to the cashless policy and offered me N1 million for my kidney," the boy recounted, adding that Olorunlaye displayed dollar notes as an alternative payment method.
The witness described further transactions involving his friends and a phone purchase, ultimately leading to his discharge from the hospital.
Despite complications post-surgery, including infection, the boy's ordeal didn't end. He alleged being robbed and facing ongoing health issues.
The boy's father intervened, seeking legal recourse. During cross-examination, questions arose regarding the boy's age and the circumstances surrounding the kidney donation.
The judge, Kezziah Ogbonnaya, adjourned the proceedings until May 7 for further deliberation.
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