Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has expressed concern over what it described as sensational and biased reporting surrounding the ongoing court case involving Alliance Hospital and its Medical Director, Dr Christopher Otabor.
Observing that certain media outlets have skewed the allegations of illegal organ harvesting, the group, through its national coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, said it might be an attempt to malign the hospital and its staff before a fair legal determination.
HURIWA noted that since the trial, fifth columnists have consistently reported the proceedings in a manner that paints the hospital as a den of criminal activity, disregarding the principle enshrined in Section 36(5) of the Nigerian Constitution, which presumes every individual innocent until proven guilty by a competent court. This lack of professional objectivity and responsible journalism is alarming and calls for immediate redress.
“Dr Otabor has shared his side of the story, emphasising that the kidney donor, Oluwatobi Saliman, presented an affidavit confirming he was above 18 years old and, thus, legally competent to consent to the organ donation.
“The transaction was facilitated by a third party who brought the donor to the hospital for the procedure, and Alliance Hospital acted within the legal and ethical boundaries of medical practice.
“Despite these facts, the court proceedings have been misrepresented to suggest a nefarious operation within the hospital.
“Such biased reporting undermines public trust in the judicial system and tarnishes the reputation of an institution providing life-saving medical services,” HURIWA revealed.
The group commended Alliance Hospital for its pioneering role in bringing affordable and high-quality kidney transplant services to Nigeria, stating that the initiative has significantly reduced the need for Nigerians to seek expensive medical treatments abroad, which often come with high risks and low success rates.
The organisation added that the hospital’s collaboration with Indian medical experts to conduct transplants domestically represents a significant advancement in Nigeria’s healthcare capabilities.
The group further emphasised that Alliance Hospital has played a crucial role in providing life-saving procedures that would otherwise be out of reach for many Nigerians.
HURIWA advocated efforts to support and enhance the hospital capabilities, describing Dr Otabor as a highly respected figure in the medical community, both locally and internationally, as he has received numerous accolades, including the Prestigious Honorary Fellowship Award by the Chartered Institute of Administrators and recognition as one of the 50 Most Humanitarian Service and Change Makers in Nigeria for 2024.
