NEWS
Police Investigates Teenagers Who Sold Human Organs
The police in Lagos have commenced investigation into how two teenagers residing at Iyana-Ipaja area sold their organs to a medical doctor in Abeokuta, Ogun state for N200, 000 without the consent of their parents, according to Vanguard.
The teenagers allegedly connived with an adult member of the church and went to a medical doctor at Redwood Specialist Hospital, Abeokuta where their organs were sold for N100, 000 each.
The bubble reportedly bust in September 12, 2022 when one of them started vomiting and she was taken to hospital by her father who thought it was typhoid or malaria and the doctor requested for medical test which later revealed that her anus and private part were damaged.
It was gathered that the sick girl who became unconscious after her health condition was discovered, regained consciousness and disclosed to her father that a female member of his church trafficked them to Ogun state where their organs were sold to a medical doctor.
The teenagers further alleged that the trafficker convinced them to carry out the illegal act because the one whose father is a Bishop, is not paying them enough money and that she will take them to where they will be handsomely paid N100, 000. They also alleged that the trafficker warned them not to tell their father/parent, that if they do, she will kill them.
Giving details of how the transplant was carried out, the teenagers said that the trafficker, without the consent of their parents took them to Redwood hospital in Abeokuta Ogun State and conspired with the doctor identified as Dr. Durodola and injected them some drugs. They alleged that they were further forcefully taken to a PDF hospital in Surulere, Lagos where they were also coerced and their ovaries/eggs/organs were harvested illegally by the medical Doctor without their consent resulting in severe pains and bleeding.
It was learned that based on the startling revelations, the teenagers were taken to another hospital in Surulere, Lagos where they were referred to a medical laboratory for tests and scans which revealed that their liver, uterus, urinary bladder, kidney, spleen and gall bladder were damaged as a result of the procedure.
When contacted, the Bishop, father of one of the teenagers, told Vanguard that when his daughter was taken to the hospital and the test was conducted, her younger ones told him that they knew their sister was sick as she frequented toilet with medical equipment and came out dripping blood.
He said the major suspect, Mrs.Adeleke was staying with her mother in- law in the compound where the church is situated and often attends the church vigil. It was gathered that the other teenager, Favour, stays with the Bishop and he employed her as his secretary in the church with a salary of N20, 000 and his daughter, Precious who is a hairstylist makes Mrs. Adeleke’s hair and gets paid.
It is gathered that the Bishop who was piqued by the ugly development reported the case at Iyana-Ipaja police station and they later transferred it to State Criminal Investigations and Intelligence Department, SCIID, Panti, Yaba, Lagos for further investigation.
However, the case took a different dimension after lawyer to the aggrieved Bishop, Barrister Ikechukwu Chiaha suspected that the police may have compromised over the case based on revelation by his client that the investigators were soliciting for amicable settlement and payment of N300, 000 which he alleged police will take N200,000. Based on this, Barrister Chiaha then transferred the case to National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP, which has commenced fresh investigation.
However, in her reaction, the alleged major suspect Mrs Adeleke told Vanguard,” the two girls volunteered to donate their eggs to the hospital after listening to my phone conversation with a doctor and in return, they were compensated with N100, 000, of which Favour gave me N20,000 for introducing them to the hospital.”
When contacted, Lagos state Police spokesman, Ben Hundeyin said; “It was not organ harvesters, the operation was carried out by a professional doctor and the process was legal. All documents were signed and the girls stated in the document that they were above 18 years. The doctor told them about the consequences of feeling pain for two days after and they accepted and donated their organ. Unfortunately, they did not inform their father about it and the father is requesting for N200m as compensation.”.
In their reaction, an official of NAPTIP who pleaded not to be named told Vanguard; “I am not aware of the case. I will ask our people.”
NEWS
Senator Ifeanyi Ubah Laid To Rest In Nnewi Amidst Tight Security
On Friday, November 22, 2024, the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah was laid to rest in his hometown of Nnewi, Anambra State.
The funeral, held at his residence in Umuanuka, Otolo Nnewi, was attended by a multitude of mourners, including political figures, business associates, and community members, all paying their final respects to the esteemed businessman and politician.
The burial proceedings commenced with a funeral mass at 10:00 a.m., followed by condolence visits and other funeral activities. The ceremonies are scheduled to continue through the weekend, culminating in a Thanksgiving Mass and Outing Service on Sunday, November 24, at St. Peter Claver Catholic Church in Otolo Nnewi.
READ MORE: JUST IN: Anambra Senator, Ubah, Dies In London
In light of security concerns, Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, ordered the closure of schools in Nnewi for a week. This decision followed threats from separatist elements who vowed to attack those attending the burial. A circular from the state Ministry of Education directed school principals to inform parents and ensure students remained at home during this period.
The Anambra State Police Command addressed an incident that occurred on Wednesday night, clarifying that it was not related to the burial. According to the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the incident involved security operatives mistakenly engaging police personnel, leading to an exchange of gunfire. The situation has since been brought under control.
Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, who represented Anambra South Senatorial District, passed away in London in July 2024 at the age of 52. His death was met with an outpouring of grief from across the nation, with many acknowledging his significant contributions to the development of Anambra State and Nigeria.
As the community of Nnewi and the nation at large bid farewell to Senator Ubah, his legacy as a philanthropist, businessman, and public servant continues to resonate, leaving an indelible mark on those he served and inspired.
NEWS
Simon Ekpa’s Arrest Will Restore Peace In South East, Says Enugu Gov’t
The Enugu State Government has commended the Republic of Finland for the arrest of Simon Ekpa, a Finland-based leader of the proscribed separatist group, Autopilots.
Ekpa has been accused of orchestrating violence and chaos in Nigeria’s South East region.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, the government described Ekpa as a “common criminal, con man, and terrorist” who has exploited the Igbo people while claiming to represent their interests.
RELATED NEWS: Finnish Police Arrest Simon Ekpa Over Terror-Related Allegations
“The Enugu State Government welcomes the arrest of the Finland-based terrorist, Simon Ekpa,” the statement read.
“His arrest and trial will no doubt go a long way in strengthening peace, security, and stability in all parts of the South East.”
The state government accused Ekpa of sponsoring violent activities that have resulted in the loss of lives, destruction of property, and disruption of the region’s economic activities.
It stated that Ekpa’s actions were driven by personal greed and not genuine concern for the Igbo people.
Onyia said, “Ekpa is a murderer and fraudster who delights in killing his people and living large off their misery.
“He thrives on manipulating, exploiting, and extorting the people on the pretext of fighting for their interest and for the restoration of Biafra.”
The government emphasized its readiness to provide evidence of Ekpa’s alleged crimes to support his prosecution, whether in Finland or Nigeria.
“This arrest is in line with the demand of the Governor Peter Mbah Administration, which has repeatedly made it known that Ekpa is a megalomaniac, common criminal, murderer, and fraudster who takes joy in feeding fat on the manipulated emotions of Ndigbo and inflicting misery on the South East region,” the statement added.
The government further criticized Ekpa for fostering a climate of fear and insecurity that has harmed the entrepreneurial spirit and economic growth of the Igbo people.
“Ekpa has for long, and unfortunately from Finland, made a living by creating a siege climate and mentality in the South East, destroying lives, property, and the Igbo trademark of entrepreneurship and hard work,” Onyia said.
The Enugu State Government expressed optimism that Ekpa’s arrest would mark a turning point in the quest for peace and stability in the South East, urging residents to remain vigilant and supportive of ongoing efforts to restore normalcy in the region.
NEWS
JUST IN: COP29 Proposes $250bn Annual Climate Finance Target For Developing Nations
The COP29 presidency has unveiled an ambitious climate finance plan, calling on developed nations to provide $250 billion annually to developing countries by 2035.
The proposal, part of a broader initiative to mobilize $1.3 trillion from public and private sources each year, seeks to address the mounting challenges posed by climate change.
The five-page draft text, released on Friday, emphasizes the need for developed nations to lead the charge in financing climate action.
RELATED NEWS: COP29: Climate Summit Faces Deadlock Over Vague Funding Proposals For Vulnerable Nations
According to the document, this financial commitment is seen as a critical step toward combating the climate crisis and fostering sustainable development globally.
“In this context, it is decided to set a goal in extension of the goal referred to in paragraph 53 of decision 1/CP.21, with developed country Parties taking the lead, to USD 250 billion per year by 2035 for developing country Parties for climate action,” the draft states.
The announcement follows the release of an earlier 10-page draft on Thursday, which drew significant criticism from Global South delegations.
Many expressed frustration that the document lacked clear financial commitments from wealthier nations, falling short of expectations to support adaptation and mitigation efforts.
“There is a clear need to address the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, especially given the diverse circumstances shaping national priorities,” a negotiator from a developing country delegation remarked.
The updated proposal aims to address some of these concerns by outlining more specific targets. However, skepticism remains among some negotiators, who feel the revisions still fail to adequately address their demands.
Meanwhile, developed countries have raised their own reservations about the proposed plan.
A European negotiator, speaking to Reuters, described the $250 billion annual target as unrealistic and criticized the lack of measures to expand the pool of contributing countries.
“No one is comfortable with the number because it’s high, and there’s almost nothing on broadening the contributor base,” the negotiator said.
The mixed reactions underscore the persistent divide between developed and developing nations in climate negotiations.
While the draft text aims to reconcile these differences, the gap between expectations and commitments remains a significant hurdle.