In the ongoing trial at the FCT High Court in Zuba, Abuja, involving Dr. Christopher Otabor, Emmanuel Olorunlaye, Chikaodili Ugochukwu, and Dr. Aremu Abayomi over alleged organ harvesting, the proceedings recently focused on procedural issues regarding the service of court documents.
The Defence Counsel, Richard Adepoju, informed the court that he had only received the prosecution’s documents on the morning of the hearing, despite efforts to serve him earlier. He asserted his right to respond to these documents in accordance with legal procedures.
In response, the Prosecution Counsel, Hassan Tahir, explained that attempts to serve the defence counsel outside the courtroom had failed, leading them to serve the documents during the hearing. He opposed any adjournment to allow the defence more time to respond, arguing that they had fulfilled their obligation to serve the documents.
Meanwhile, Afam Odigwe, SAN, representing other defendants, emphasized the importance of adhering to constitutional rights in legal proceedings.
The case centers on allegations that Emmanuel Olorunlaye facilitated the removal of kidneys from two 17-year-old boys and a 25-year-old man at Alliance Hospital in Abuja. Chikaodili Ugochukwu, an Administrative Secretary, allegedly assisted in the procedure, while Dr. Christopher Otabor, the Medical Director, provided accommodation for the victims, and Dr. Aremu Abayomi performed the operations.
The defendants have pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against them under the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015. The court has scheduled July 10 to hear the no-case submission in the trial, marking the next step in the legal process.