Opinion
Organ Harvesting Hearing: The Other Narrative of Nigerian Media
Since the organ harvesting story broke in August 2023, I have taken a keen interest in the case and followed it closely with an open mind. To understand the facts firsthand, I attended as many court sessions as possible. So far, I have not missed any, from the arraignment of the suspects to the ongoing hearings, which took place from Monday, 6th May, to Thursday, 9th May, 2024, until Honourable Justice Kezziah Ogbonnaya adjourned the hearing to Tuesday, 21st May, 2024. The revelations have been both intriguing and thought-provoking.
My experience in court during the four days of hearings, in which six prosecution witnesses testified and were cross-examined, was shocking and eye-opening. The headlines do not always communicate reality; media sensationalism often diverges from the facts. The courts, however, deal strictly with facts, not sentiments. As CP Scott said in 1921, “comments are free but facts are sacred.”
Although I have not attended many court sessions in my life, I am intelligent enough to recognize a fair process. I commend Justice Kezziah Ogbonnaya, the presiding judge, who is detailed, patient, and thorough. She frequently interjects during witness statements for clarity and reminds the audience of her legal right to do so.
The Latin maxim “ei incumbit probatio qui dicit, non qui negat” (the burden of proof rests on who asserts, not on who denies) played out during the testimonies and cross-examinations of the key witnesses. The 62-year-old judge listened attentively, waiting for key evidence to do justice to the matter before her.
So far, she appears disappointed with the prosecution’s representation. The key witnesses faltered several times under cross-examination by the defense counsel. On two occasions, Tuesday, 7th May, and Wednesday, 8th May, during the cross-examination of prosecution witnesses two and three respectively, the judge expressed her disappointment in Pidgin English, saying, “NAPTIP, una see una self?”
All three kidney donors, Oluwatobi Saliman (Prosecution Witness 1), Musa Yahaya (Prosecution Witness 2), and Yahuza Aminu (Prosecution Witness 3), admitted under cross-examination by defense counsel, Afam Osigwe, SAN, that they did not discuss the sale of their kidneys with any staff of Alliance Hospital and were not offered any money by the hospital staff. Notably, all prosecution witnesses stated that they never met the Medical Director of Alliance Hospital until they saw him at the police station when he came to bail his staff months after their surgeries.
The three donors testified that their agreement for the organ sale was with Abdulrahman and Mayor (the first defendant) and was made outside of Alliance Hospital. They were paid after the surgery, mainly via money transfers from the agents after their discharge from the hospital. They used the money to buy mobile phones and stay in hotels, according to their testimonies.
My independent observation shows that the initial storyline of the donors portrayed them as ignorant kids lured or forced into surgery. However, cross-examination and confrontation with defense documents revealed a pre-existing bargain and agreement of terms between the boys and the agents before they arrived at Alliance Hospital.
The defense counsel presented two documents to each of the three donors with the judge’s permission: an informed consent form signed by the donors and a court affidavit with their photographs and signatures. All the boys stated in their affidavit that they were above 18 and donated willingly without financial inducement. The judge asked if they signed the documents. The first two witnesses confirmed but claimed the content was not explained to them, while the third witness denied all documents presented, including his witness statement at NAPTIP. Nevertheless, the documents bore his pictures and similar signatures.
On the fourth day of the hearing, Thursday, 9th May, Abdullahi Mohammed, a phone dealer, testified that he received ₦500,000 as payment for a ₦290,000 phone on behalf of Oluwatobi Saliman, who lied that the transfer was from his uncle. The dealer deducted ₦290,000 and refunded the ₦210,000 balance. Apparently, the ₦500,000 was from an agent paying Oluwatobi for his kidney. All three donors admitted agreeing to receive one million naira for their kidneys. According to their testimonies, the recruiting agent was Abdulrahman, who has not appeared in court.
The NAPTIP chief prosecutor informed the court they have two more witnesses, including Mr. Liman Yusufu, the investigating officer. Hopefully, the other will be Abdulrahman. Mr. Yusufu was scheduled to testify on Thursday, 9th May, but the chief prosecution counsel, Barrister Hassan Tahir, reported that he developed headaches and was unable to testify. The judge suggested adjourning the hearing to the next day, Friday, 10th May, but the prosecution had other engagements. The hearing was rescheduled to Tuesday, 21st May, 2024.
Earlier, on Wednesday, 8th May, the prosecution brought the parents of Oluwatobi Saliman and Musa Yahaya to testify against Dr. Otabor Christopher, the Medical Director of Alliance Hospital. They alleged that Dr. Otabor approached them at the police station to withdraw the case in exchange for an out-of-court settlement, offering to cater to their children’s education. The prosecution tried to present this as an admission of guilt. The defense counsel moved to expunge the statement, arguing that settlement statements cannot be used as evidence in court. The judge ruled in favor of the defense, emphasizing that out-of-court settlements are encouraged by public policy and that using such statements as evidence could backfire.
Since the hearing began, I have read with surprise and pain the biased reports from some media outlets. Despite fewer than four media personnel in court, hundreds of media outlets have reported a syndicated bias. As an independent observer, I deduce a calculated attempt to malign certain actors, particularly Alliance Hospital and its medical director, Dr. Otabor. Sensational statements from prosecution witnesses are blown out of proportion, while cross-examinations that challenge these claims are ignored. This is a disservice to the nation, misleading the public.
Like witnesses in court, journalists should be made to swear an oath to unbiased reporting without fear or favor.
I look forward to the continuation of the hearing on 21st May, 2024, and ultimately for justice to be done and seen to be done.
***Comrade Muhammed Suleman writes from Abuja.
A pro-democracy group, the Progressive Group for Democracy (PGD), has called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and stop local government officials in Lagos State from pursuing unconstitutional third terms in upcoming council elections.
The group alleges that officials in Agbado Oke-Odo and Ikosi Isheri Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) are exploiting legal loopholes to extend their tenures, in violation of Nigeria’s Constitution.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, PGD National Coordinator Aladesanmi Abiodun Salawu described the move as a “clear violation” of constitutional provisions and a threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
He invoked President Tinubu’s historical opposition to tenure elongation, referencing the president’s fierce resistance to former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s third-term bid in the early 2000s.
“As a pro-democracy group, we are reminded of President Tinubu’s fierce opposition to Obasanjo’s third-term agenda. President Tinubu stood firmly against constitutional manipulation then. Where is the president’s voice now?” Salawu asked.
The PGD alleges that the officials in question assumed office following the deaths of elected chairpersons, took oaths of office, and later won full terms in subsequent elections.
“Their current bids for re-election, the group argues, constitute an unconstitutional third term. Salawu cited the Fourth Alteration to the Constitution, signed into law by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2018, which prohibits individuals from seeking a third term after completing a predecessor’s tenure and winning a subsequent election.
“Today, we stand at a very dangerous crossroads. The same anti-democratic forces that our heroes fought against during the June 12 struggle are re-emerging in Lagos State,” Salawu said.
“In Agbado Oke-Odo and Ikosi Isheri LCDAs, we are witnessing a calculated attempt to normalise constitutional violations through the backdoor.”
The group also criticised Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, accusing him of complicity due to his silence on the issue. “As the chief security officer of Lagos State, (Sanwo-Olu)has a constitutional duty to uphold the rule of law. His silence is not just concerning; it is complicity,” Salawu said.
The PGD urged President Tinubu to publicly denounce the third-term bids and called on the Attorney General of the Federation to issue an advisory on term limits for local government administrations.
It also demanded that the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) disqualify candidates seeking unconstitutional terms.
“These individuals in Agbado Oke-Odo and Ikosi Isheri LCDAs must withdraw their candidacy immediately. We are not making a request; we are stating what the constitution already mandates,” Salawu declared.
The group vowed to challenge the alleged violations through legal means, including mobilising civil society, approaching the courts, and organising peaceful protests if necessary.
“The Lagos Society for Good Governance will utilise every legal means available to challenge this dangerous precedent,” Salawu added.
BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF
History was made again today at the National Assembly Service Commission NASC as the newly appointed as Executive Chairman,Dr Saviour Enyiekere and his Commissioners, was sworn in by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential villa to signify the beginning of another five years journey for the new management of the Commission.
Dr Enyiekere who was appointed along with his 12 commissioners representing the six geopolitical zones on 20th, February, 2025, assumed duty on 5th, May, 2025 few months after their appointment after been taking oath office.
He took the oath of office as the sixth National Assembly Service Commission Chairman since the inception of the Commission over four decades ago .
Until his appointment, Enyiekere, an environmental specialist, was the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Senate President and had played a leading and strategic roles in the last 19 months before his elevation.
Soon after he took the oath office along with his commissioners , he assumed duty and was hosted by management and staff of the National Assembly Service Commission NASC and by extension, the National Assembly management led by Barrister Kamoru Ogunlana, the new Clerk to the National Assembly CNA.
Fresh and determined to make a difference,While acknowledging the audience along with his new commissioners , he described today’s occasion as unique with the date falling to 5/5/2025, stating his determination to work with all stakeholders at the NASC and NASS.
He eulogised the outgone leadership of the commission and also paid a glowing trubutes to the deceased ones , acknowledging their unique performance and contributions to the development of the commission in all areas.
Enyiekere who solicited for the cooperation of the management, staff and staff union , promised to prioritize the welfare and well-being of staff of the commission.
The New Executive Chairman , National Assembly Service Commission NASC, Dr Saviour Enyiekere also promised to work harmoniously with the management of the commission , staff, and members of Parliamentary Staff Association PASAN.
Dr Saviour who attracted a conference hall that was filled to capacity bare his mind of carrying all and sundry along in his new administration .
Assertive, young and brilliant to manage the affairs of the commission, he promised to promote and sustain the legacies of management and previous leadership saying their contributions was indelible on the sands of time.
He used the opportunity to appreciate Nigeria’s President and reiterated his commitment along with his commissioners to promote and protect the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, with full support the leadership of the National Assembly under Senator Godswill Akpabio and Rt Honourable Tajudeen Abbas, lauding them for a job well-done and careful selection of the new Chairman and members/commissioners of the commission.
While describing the new responsibility as hectic and challenging, , saying with prayers , God will see us through.
Dr Saviour Enyiekere who promised to keep intact the good records of NASC management and the staff union , so as to ensure harmonious working relationship going forward.
During the handing over ceremony, The Secretary to the Commission, Mr
Lucky U. Ikharo, while presenting the handover documents to the new NASC boss, pledged the total commitment of the NASC Management towards the effective performance of the Commission’s assignment.
Speaking further during the handing and talking over ceremony at the Commission’s Conference Room, the new NASC boss told officials of the National Assembly Service that his leadership would emphasise the welfare of the workers of the Service, harmonious working relationship and productivity.
The new Chairman and his commissioners anxious to make a difference asked all stakeholders to extend their fellowship, admonition and possibly corrections.
Dr Saviour , a grassroot politician , with indepth experience in civil and political exposure, promised to make a difference without further delay .
The entire National Assembly Service Commission NASC bounced back to life after three months since the exit of the former Executive Chairman , National Assembly Service Commission NASC, Engr Ahmed Kadi Amshi FNSE.
Highlights of the occasion included group photograph, media interview and interactions with the management and staff of both the National Assembly Service Commission NASC, National Assembly leadership led by Barrister Kamoru Ogunlana along with the new commissioners.
With his assumption of duty and his promises, no doubt a new dawn has encapsulated and heralded the National Assembly Service Commission NASC and his leadership.
In a goodwill message, the Clerk to the National Assembly, Barrister Kamoru Ogunlana, assured the new Commission of the full co-operation of the National Assembly Management towards achieving success. He, however, pleaded with the Commission to carry the National Assembly Management along on key decision-making.
The Honourable Commissioners that reported to duty alongside the Chairman include: Mr. Hanmation Mark Tersoo and Mr. Salisu Umar Agboola-Balogun (North-Central); Alhaji Lawan Maina Mahmud and Aminu Ibrahim Malle (North-East); Senator Suleiman Othman Hunkuyi and Hon Yusuf A. Tabuka (North-West), Chief Festus Ifesinachi Odii (South-East), Mary Samuel Ekpenyong and Mr Patrick Giwa (South-South), Mrs Taiwo Olukemi Oluga and Ipesa-Balogun, Afeez (South-West, with
The Honourable Commissioners that reported to duty alongside the Chairman include: Mr. Hanmation Mark Tersoo and Mr. Salisu Umar Agboola-Balogun (North-Central); Alhaji Lawan Maina Mahmud and Aminu Ibrahim Malle (North-East); Senator Suleiman Othman Hunkuyi and Hon Yusuf A. Tabuka (North-West), Chief Festus Ifesinachi Odii (South-East), Mary Samuel Ekpenyong and Mr Patrick Giwa (South-South), Mrs Taiwo Olukemi Oluga and Ipesa-Balogun, Afeez (South-West), with Festus Ifesinachi Odii not yet resume from the South-East .
Written BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF on yus.abubakar3@gmail.com.
By Capt. Caleb Danladi Bako
The global shipping industry is the lifeblood of international trade, with nearly 90% of goods transported by sea. Behind this vast network of commerce are the seafarers professionals whose dedication keeps the world’s economy afloat. Yet, while the focus often falls on operational efficiency, safety, and environmental concerns, an equally critical aspect remains largely in the shadows: the mental health and wellbeing of those who spend months away from home, isolated and often battling invisible struggles.
Having worked both at sea and now within the maritime industry ashore, we have witnessed firsthand the emotional challenges faced by seafarers. Life at sea is often romanticized, but the reality is far more complex. Prolonged isolation, communication barriers, high-pressure environments, and the unpredictability of life at sea contribute to a unique mental health crisis that has, for too long, gone unspoken.
A seafarer’s life revolves around routines, watches, and operations that leave little room for personal downtime. The absence of family support systems limited recreational facilities, and minimal mental health resources onboard amplify feelings of loneliness and helplessness. Recent studies, including those by the Mission to Seafarers and the International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN), reveal alarming rates of depression, anxiety, and even suicidal ideation among crew members. These findings highlight a pressing need for the industry to prioritize mental health with the same seriousness as physical safety.
The COVID-19 pandemic further exposed and intensified these struggles. Hundreds of thousands of seafarers were stranded aboard ships, unable to disembark for months beyond their contracts. Crew change crises turned ships into floating prisons, exacerbating feelings of abandonment and mental exhaustion.
Though some shipping companies have since introduced mental health initiatives such as access to tele-counselling and mental wellness apps, these measures are still the exception rather than the norm.
Mental health challenges at sea are not merely personal struggles; they can have direct safety implications. Fatigue, anxiety, and depression diminish focus and decision-making ability, increasing the risk of accidents. Thus, protecting seafarers’ wellbeing is not only a moral obligation but a safety imperative for the entire industry.
As industry experts and former seafarers, we believe urgent cultural change is required. Shipping companies must move beyond token programs to embed mental health care into the fabric of maritime operations.
Practical steps include mandatory mental health training, confidential support systems, improved internet connectivity for family contact, regular shore leave, and destigmatization of seeking help.
It is time to bring the untold struggles of seafarers into the light. By acknowledging their mental health needs and committing resources to support them, we honor not only their critical role in global trade but their fundamental humanity.
Capt. Caleb Danladi Bako
Maritime expert and Academic Researcher
E-mail: Caleb.Danladi@plymouth.ac.uk, dancb2k@yahoo.com
Phone: +2348064218253