By; RAYMOND TEDUNJAYE, Lagos
Four persons, including an Abuja based prominent medical doctor have been arraigned by the National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for alleged organ harvest.
The medical doctor identified as Dr. Christopher Otabor, 51, and the three others, were dragged before a High Court of the FCT sitting in Zuba, presided over by Hon. Justice Keziah Ogbonnaya for the alleged offence.
In a statement made available to our correspondent, the Communication Officer of the Agency Adekoye Vincent named the three accomplices as Emmanuel Muyiwa Olorunlaye, male, 36, Chikaodili Ugochukwu, Female, 37, and Dr. Aremu Abayomi, male, 43 years.
According to the statement, ” Dr. Otabor is the CEO of Alliance Hospital, located in the Garki area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
” He has been enmeshed in the alleged organ harvest controversy since the past year, involving some victims.
“Arraigned with him, are Emmanuel Muyiwa Olorunlaye, male (36 years), Chikaodili Ugochukwu, Female (37 years), and Dr. Aremu Abayomi, male (43 years).
“Following months of thorough investigation, a prima facie case was established against the defendants, implicating them in varying degrees of culpability for offences related to organ removal, as stipulated under section 20 of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015.
” They all pleaded not guilty to the charges.
“Ruling on the bail application by counsels to the defendants, the defendants have been ordered to report to the Corporate Headquarters of NAPTIP, Abuja on a daily basis with effect from Tuesday 19th March 2024 and also deposit their traveling documents with the court.
“The Judge also granted the request of counsels in the case for accelerated hearing and subsequently adjourned to May 6th – 9th and 13th – 16th, 2024, for the commencement of the trial.”
