Reps Summon NAPTIP DG Over Unlawful Detention Of MD, Alliance Hospital

The House of Representatives has summoned the Director General, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Mrs. Fatima Waziri-Azi, over the unlawful detention of Dr Christopher Otabor, the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Alliance Hospital, Abuja. 

The Chairman of the House Committee on Public Petitions, Mr. Mike Etaba, ordered the DG to appear on April 18 at the resumed hearing of the committee over the petition submitted by the MD.

The committee said the DG should appear to answer questions concerning the unlawful detention of Otabor, adding that failure to appear would leave the committee with no choice but to issue an arrest warrant.

The chairman who noted that Alliance Hospital is one of the most respected hospitals in Abuja said it was unfortunate that NAPTIP was not at the investigative hearing to respond to the allegations after detaining him for four days.

The committee also summoned the police officer who handled the case of the alleged organ harvesting levelled against the MD before NAPTIP arrested and detained him.

According to the chairman, the house will address the issue appropriately, conduct a thorough investigation, and ensure that anyone found guilty faces appropriate consequences.

The committee said it was unfortunate NAPTIP relied on social media to obtain information that led to Otabor’s detention.

The members also expressed concern that such actions could damage someone’s reputation.

A member of the committee, Victor Ogene, commended the CEO of Alliance Hospital for bringing the matter before the lawmakers.

Ogene said agencies involved should do a proper investigation before arresting people, not arresting them before the investigation, hence everyone connected to the matter must be brought before the committee.

Speaking earlier on his petition, Doctor Otabor explained that the police had earlier questioned him over an allegation of organ harvesting and found that it was untrue and some of his staff earlier detained were released.

He said following the video circulating on social media that he was involved in organ harvesting, NAPTIP without investigation ordered his arrest and detained him for four days.

Doctor Otabor said such allegation was an attempt to damage the goodwill and reputation he had enjoyed for years, and that NAPTIP’s action was calculated to embarrass and lower his esteemed image.

He accused the NAPTIP DG of displaying wanton show of power, force and intimidation against him, adding that he had been a reputable muti-specialty healthcare service provider.

According to him, in the four days he spent in detention at the premises of NAPTIP, no questions were asked regarding any investigation into any matter and his phone was not searched.

Ruling on the matter, the Chairman of the committee adjourned until April 18 2024 for further hearing.

Oduyemi Odumade, Edited By Grace Namiji