In a surprising turn of events, Aminu Yunusa, a key witness in the case of kidney harvesting against Alliance Hospital, its Medical Director, Dr. Christopher Otabor, and two others, disowned the statement tendered in court by the prosecution witness from NAPTIP.
During cross-examination by the defense counsel, Bar. Afam Osigwe SAN, Yunusa denied ownership of the statement, claiming he neither deposed to it nor signed it by thumbprinting.
The witness’s testimony further unraveled as he contradicted himself on crucial points, including his place of origin and the circumstances surrounding his alleged agreement to donate his kidney. Yunusa claimed to be from Yelwa Local Government Area of Plateau State, contrary to the information recorded in the prosecution’s statement, which states he is from Mangu LGA.
Additionally, discrepancies arose regarding the amount he received from the alleged agent who purportedly facilitated his kidney donation to a patient at Alliance Hospital.
Furthermore, Yunusa’s account of his interaction with the defendants, Dr. Christopher Otabor, Chikaodili Ugochukwu, and Dr. Aremu Abayomi, was inconsistent. While initially stating that his friend Abdul informed him that one Mayowa wanted him to sell his kidney, he later claimed that a manager contacted his “link man” Mayowa directly. He however concluded by saying that he never met any of the staff of the Hospital until he was brought to the hospital by Mayowa.
Bar Afam SAN contended that Yunusa had already negotiated the deal to sell his kidney for one million naira with Mayowa and Abdul before any involvement with Alliance Hospital, emphasizing that none of the hospital officials offered him money for the donation. Yunusa affirmed this position, stating he was neither offered nor collected any money from any official of the Hospital.
The proceedings at the FCT High Court in Zuba presented a complex web of contradictions, casting doubt on the credibility of the witness’s testimony and raising questions about the integrity of the case against Alliance Hospital and its staff.
Presiding judge, Justice Kezziah Ogbonnaya, adjourned the proceedings to Thursday, May 9th, for the continuation of the hearing.
