Daud Olatunji
The high-profile case involving the Managing Director of Alliance Hospital, Abuja, Dr. Christopher Otabor, and three other members of staff reached a climax as the court overruled objections from the defense counsel.
A statement signed by Communication Officer of NAPTIP, Adekoye Vincent, explained that the case revolves around alleged organ (kidney) harvesting, with the defendants facing charges under the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015.
The statement further read that the prosecution’s case gained significant momentum with the testimony of key witnesses, including Mr. Lanre Akande, an Abuja-based businessman, and Mr. Liman Yusuf Shehu, a Principal Intelligence Officer with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).
Akande’s testimony provided crucial insights into the alleged recruiter, Emmanuel Muyiwa Olorunlaye, who purportedly requested the use of Akande’s account to transfer funds.
PLATFORM TIMES reports that the revelation shed light on the intricate network involved in the illicit organ harvesting operation.
However, it was Shehu’s testimony that held the court spellbound for over three hours.
Shehu meticulously detailed the investigation process, from receiving reports from victims’ parents to uncovering the roles of each defendant in the syndicate.
His account painted a vivid picture of the recruitment, screening, surgery, and discharge process, implicating the defendants at each stage.
The pivotal moment of the hearing arrived when the prosecution sought to tender statements from all defendants as exhibits.
While objections were raised by the defense counsel, citing issues of inducement and procedural irregularities, the presiding judge, Hon. Justice Keziah Ogbonnaya, ruled in favour of the prosecution.
Justice Ogbonnaya emphasized the voluntary nature of the statements and clarified that discretionary language in legal provisions does not render evidence inadmissible.
Following the overruling of objections, the prosecution concluded its case, paving the way for the defense to advance a no-case submission.
The proceedings concluded with an adjournment to July 2nd for the hearing of the defense’s submission.
The ruling marks a significant development in the highly publicized case, underscoring the complexities and legal intricacies surrounding organ trafficking and exploitation.
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