NEWS
I was Offered N1m for my kidney to be Removed- 16-year-old Boy Tells Court
A 16-year-old boy, on Monday, told an FCT High Court in Zuba that he was offered N1 million by Mr Emmanuel Olorunlaye,for his kidney to be removed at Alliance Hospital, Abuja.
The teenager made this known while being led in evidence by the prosecuting counsel, Hassan Tahir.
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) charged the defendants alongside the Hospital with 11 counts bordering on organ harvesting.
The defendants are the Medical Director, Alliance Hospital, Dr Christopher Otabor, Emmanuel Olorunlaye, Chikaodili Ugochukwu, Administrative Secretary of the hospital and Dr Aremu Abayomi.
The boy said that he met Olorunlaye, who told him he was the manager of Alliance hospital, through a friend in February 2023.
“My friend told me that we were going for a job at the Alliance Hospital and we went to see Olorunlaye who took us for our blood samples to be taken.
“He gave us transport money and asked me if i knew what I was about to do in the hospital.
I answered no and he told me to ask my friend.
“I asked my friend, who did not tell me what we were doing in the hospital, later informed me that Olorunlaye asked us to return to the hospital,” he said.
The witness said Olorunlaye asked about his health and informed him that he was about to sale his kidney for N1 million.
” I declined the offer and Olorunlaye asked us to go return to the hospital for the work we were initially supposed to do which was to distribute medication.
” When we got back to the hospital, Olorunlaye asked why we were scared to accept his offer and asked us to wait for his boss, Ugochukwu and when she arrived, he handed me over to her.
He alleged that Ugochukwu took him to an FCT high court where he signed a document and was asked to wait outside for her.
” Six minutes later she came out and we went back to the hospital and she handed me over to a driver and a nurse.I was taken to Eco Lab for a scan and driven back to Alliance Hospital afterwards .
” Olorunlaye told me that I was going to sleep in the hospital because it was late to go back home, so while I was there, a nurse came and put a drip on me, then Ugochukwu came with some documents and asked me to sign and I did.
” I was weak and wheeled into the theatre and I laid on the bed, then i over heard the nurse asking for Dr Aremu to be called, I slept off and when I woke up the nurse informed me I woke up on the third day after the operation.
“I tried to stand up but I felt as if I was carrying a heavy load inside of me, I tried to disconnect the drip that was attached to me but the nurse asked me to calm down and rest,” he said..
After some minutes, the boy said the nurse disconnected the drip line and wheeled him back to the room.
He said he was asleep and hours later Olorunlaye walked in asked him how he felt and said: “thank God the operation was successful”.
He said that was when he realized that his kidney had been removed.
The 16-year-old boy said Olorunlaye said he did not have cash to give him due to the cashless policy and would give him N1 million for his kidney .
He said Olorunlaye showed him some dollar notes in an envelope and asked if he would take dollars or transfer but the boy said he did not know where to change the dollars.
” My friend suggested that he needed N100,000 to buy a phone so that we could create an Opay account for the money to be transferred, Olorunlaye transferred the money to him for the phone which he bought.
” I could not operate the phone because I was still weak from the operation. So my friend opened the account but because I did not have a BVN I could not receive the sum of money.
“My friend later said that the phone got stolen by street boys and Olorunlaye then informed me that I was going to be discharged from the hospital and gave me medication.
” Olorunlaye booked a cab for me and asked where I would go to and I said home and he asked if I was stupid to go home with the stitches and suggested I rent a hotel.
“We stopped in Marraraba and he asked me to go to any phone dealer and send the dealer’s account number for him to buy a phone for me.
“Olorunlaye sent the phone dealer N500,000 and the dealer complained and asked for an account number to send back the balance of 210,000 and I sent another friend’s account number who was in school .
” I went back to Alliance hospital days after for my stitches removal and was told that the operation site was infected bcos of my hygiene then Olorunlaye advised me to change where I was staying.
” I moved to Ayoma hotel in Ado, Nasarawa state but was robbed of N150, 000, ” he said.
He said he called Olorunlaye telling him that he promised to give him N1 million adding that the little he gave him so far was almost finished.
The witness said he finally had his stitches removed and he travelled to Ibadan to stay with his father’s friend whom noticed the operation site and informed his father.
He said his father called him over the phone to explain what happened to him which he did and his father asked him to go to his aunt’s place in Lagos to be taken care of.
“My father’s lawyer wrote a letter to the Commissioner of Police and they told my father to take me back to Abuja where I wrote my statement in Command and I was taken to Alliance Hospital.
“Dr Aremu took us to the M.D’s office and they were detained and the commissioner of police asked the M.D about the patient that he gave my kidney to and he said the patient was late.He was asked to bring the patient ‘s report and death certificate.
“On our way out, the M.D stopped my father and told him to withdraw the case and settle it saying that he would help me with my education and collected my father’s number to call him,” he said.
While cross-examinating the witness, Tahir asked the boy to show the court his scar and asked how he had been feeling.
“I do not feel as strong as before and i am still on medication,” he said.
The defence counsel, Afam Osigwe, SAN asked the boy if he signed an affidavit and can confirm that he stated that he was 18 years old in the affidavit.
Osigwe also asked if he could confirm that the patient, Egbuson Samson whom his kidney was donated to was his relative and he was not being compelled to donate his kidney.
The boy answered that he only signed on a light pen at the high court and signed documents before the surgery while he was weak.
The judge Kezziah Ogbonnaya however adjourned the matter until May 7 for continuation of hearing.(NAN)
NEWS
Abuja Stampede: CAN Mourns
By Laide Akinboade, Abuja
The National Leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) at the weekend, said it is disturbed by the tragic events at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama on Saturday morning.This was contained in a statement issued by CAN signed by Archbishop Daniel Okoh, President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), and made available to journalists in Abuja.
.The statement reads in parts, “We have learned that at least ten people, including children, lost their lives in a stampede while trying to seek help from the church. ”This tragedy is not just statistics; it represents real families who are hurting. Each person lost was someone’s beloved family member. We wish to express our heartfelt condolences to the Catholic Church and to the families affected by this terrible incident. We stand together with you in this time of sadness and prayer.”Many people arrived early, hoping to receive palliatives that would help them during tough times. What was meant to be a day of support turned into a disaster, leaving a heavy impact on all of us and reminding us how fragile life can be.”This incident is part of a troubling pattern, as Nigeria has experienced two other tragic stampedes this month. On December 18, during a Christmas funfair at a school in Ibadan, a stampede resulted in the deaths of 35 children, with six others critically injured. The event aimed to distribute cash and food to over 5,000 children. This tragic event is currently under investigation, focusing on better crowd control measures.”Just a few days later, another stampede occurred during a rice distribution event at a centre in Anambra State. Reports indicate that at least 22 people lost their lives, and 32 others were injured. These heartbreaking incidents highlight the challenges of managing large crowds during charitable events. “In the face of these tragedies, we recognise the importance of coming together to support those who are grieving. It is crucial that we listen to one another, share our feelings, and offer help in any way we can. This is a time for compassion and understanding as we help one another heal.”As we reflect on these devastating events, we invite all Nigerians to come together with kindness and understanding. Let us support one another and work towards creating a place where everyone feels safe and valued. The concern shown in response to this incident highlights our shared humanity.”Together, we can honour the memory of those we have lost by committing to a future filled with hope, where every life matters, and where we can gather in safety and peace, sharing in the abundance of food and support that we can provide for one another as a nation.”May those who have passed find eternal rest, and may God comfort all who are grieving”.NEWS
Benue unveils Zeva Premium Lager Beer
The Benue Government on Sunday unveiled a new beverage, Zeva Premium Lager Beer, produced by Benue Investment and Property Company (BIPC).
Gov. Hyacihth Alia, who presented the new product to the public in Makurdi, said the product was a significant step toward economic rejuvenation, industrialisation, and sustainable development of the state.
Alia stated that the product has further expressed the state’s readiness to harness her resources, build and revive dormant industries, and foster local economic growth.
The governor said the brewery would create a sustainable value chain, turning agricultural raw materials like cassava, sorghum, millet, and maize into high-value products.
He said the beer was an economic strategy to boost state internally generated revenue, reduce dependence on federal allocations, create jobs for the youth, address unemployment, and foster economic stability.
Alia said that through the BIPC, the state has initiated negotiations and interventions to ensure that the Benue Brewery, now managed by Nigerian Breweries, was revived and repositioned for optimal productivity, but their efforts failed.
“Having seen the economic potentials of the brewery industry on our local farmers and the economy of the state, we floated Food Basket Brewery that will produce quality beverages that can compete on national and global stages.
“The launch of Zeva Premium Lager Beer is a game-changer for the agricultural and economic landscape of Benue State.
“The brewery’s operations will directly impact the lives of our farmers, the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and overall economic development of the state.” he said
The governor stated that through the BIPC, the state has initiated various projects aimed at revitalising existing industries and establishing new ones.
He said though there were other beer beverages in the country, the Benue brand remained the best in the market.
Alia urged the people to drink beer responsibly.
The governor commended the Managing Director (MD/CEO) BIPC, Dr Raymond Asemakaha, along with the management and entire staff of the company, for their relentless efforts, dedication, and commitment to bringing change to the state.
The BIPC Managing Director (M-D/CEO), Asemakaha, said in his remarks that the launching of the beer would increase the state GDP by 17 per cent.
Asemakaha said that the target of the company was to create 10,000 jobs by 2025, adding that they have already created 411 direct jobs within one year.
“Zeva Premium Lager Beer represents more than just a new product. It is a symbol of innovation, resilience, and the indomitable Benue spirit.
“As we unveil this premium beer today, we do so with the knowledge that it will contribute significantly to the socio-economic development of our dear state in several critical ways,” he said.
The M-D disclosed that the Food Basket Brewery would not only produce Zeva Premium Lager Beer but also an array of other assorted brands that would cater to diverse tastes and preferences.
He said Zeva Premium Lager Beer was more than just a drink; it was a celebration of the Benue spirit—a spirit of resilience, determination, and excellence.
The high point of the event was the unveiling of the Zeva Premium Lager Beer product to the public by the governor. (NAN)
NEWS
NAFDAC, Manufacturers Collaborate to Strengthen Food Safety Culture in Nigeria
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has partnered with the Association of Food, Beverages, and Tobacco Employers (AFBTE) to promote a food safety culture in Nigeria.
This collaboration was announced in a statement issued by NAFDAC’s resident media consultant, Mr Olusayo Akintola, to newsmen in Abuja on Sunday.
He said the event took place in Lagos on Friday, where NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof.
Mojisola Adeyeye, was represented by Mrs Eva Edwards, Director of Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (FSAN).The statement quoted Adeyeye, highlighting that the collaboration stemmed from an end-of-year stakeholders’ dialogue session with NAFDAC.
She said the session provided an opportunity for both parties to have open discussions on strategic objectives.
Adeyeye noted that the FSAN dialogue had become a key part of NAFDAC’s calendar, marking its third consecutive annual edition.
She said the session aimed to share insights and tackle challenges related to ensuring the safety and quality of food supplied to Nigerians.
The NAFDAC Director-General emphasised that the event underscored the vital role of AFBTE in protecting public health and maintaining consumer trust.
“It also served as a platform for discussing important food safety concerns and sharing information on new regulatory processes for food manufacturing facilities in Nigeria.”
Adeyeye pointed out the far-reaching impact of unsafe food, which not only affected public health but could also harm economies and trade.
She stressed the importance of the food sector in adopting robust food safety standards, innovative solutions, and a food safety culture.
“NAFDAC, alongside AFBTE, is committed to guiding the industry towards voluntary compliance with regulatory requirements.
“This meeting is an opportunity to discuss how we can improve our services and better support you. What worked well in 2024? What didn’t, and how can we improve?”
She also mentioned that NAFDAC had received several applications from manufacturers requesting changes to product formulations, and the agency would work to verify these necessary changes.
The statement also quoted Mr Fred Chiazor, Chairman of the Technical Committee of AFBTE, who commended NAFDAC for facilitating the meeting, which provided an opportunity for industry stakeholders to collaborate on progress for the upcoming year.
He noted that AFBTE members had become more strategic in their thinking and encouraged them to speak openly about issues they encounter. (NAN)