*Alliance Hospital Refutes Allegations of Unlawful Kidney Harvesting*

Alliance Hospital, a reputable medical institution based in Abuja, has unequivocally denied the allegations of unlawful kidney harvesting that have been leveled against it by one of its donors and patients, a 16-year-old Oluwatobi Saliman, also known as Adedoyin Salawadeen Adebayo, and his father, Salimu Adedoyin.

Dr. Christopher Otabor, the Chief Consultant Surgeon, and Medical Director of the hospital, has provided a comprehensive response to address the claims made by the affected parties. Dr. Otabor's response underscores the hospital's record of nearly one hundred successful kidney transplant surgeries with an impressive 97% success rate, highlighting the institution's steadfast commitment to upholding ethical standards and delivering medical excellence.

In relation to the specific case brought forward, Dr. Otabor clarified that the hospital follows a standard practice wherein kidney transplant recipients introduce their donors to the hospital for thorough screening and compliance with medical-legal procedures. Dr. Otabor also offered the following key clarifications:

1. Consent and Age: Contrary to the claims of the victim, Dr. Otabor has clarified that the kidney transplant surgery was performed with the full and documented consent of the donor. The hospital possesses a Court Affidavit, a sworn legal document, attesting that the donor was 18 years and two months old at the time of the surgery. This meets the legal requirement for consent in Nigeria, thereby dispelling any assertions that a minor's kidney was harvested without proper authorization.

2. Willing Donation: Dr. Otabor firmly refuted allegations of coercion or financial inducement related to the kidney donation. He emphasized that the donor willingly and voluntarily chose to donate his kidney, without any form of undue influence or pressure. This counters the narrative that the victim was coerced or manipulated into parting with his organ.

3. Adherence to Legal Protocols: Dr. Otabor provided a detailed account of the hospital's meticulous adherence to legal procedures in such cases. He outlined the process of donors swearing affidavits, declaring their voluntary intent to donate a kidney without any form of financial enticement or pressure. These affidavits serve as a clear testament to the donors' authentic willingness to contribute.

In conclusion, the hospital's response raises compelling points that challenge the veracity of the allegations put forth against it. The hospital's impressive track record, strict adherence to legal procedures, and unwavering focus on consent and voluntary donations present a vastly different perspective from the one portrayed in the allegations and initial media coverage.

Dr. Otabor concluded by reiterating that the donor affirmed his age as above 18 and his relationship as a nephew to the recipient. The donor voluntarily swore an affidavit attesting to his age, relationship, and uncoerced intent to donate. Consent was obtained, and the surgery was successfully completed. Puzzlingly, four months later, the accusers' legal team petitioned the Commissioner of Police, alleging that the hospital had taken a minor's kidney and compensated him with N1 million. Dr. Otabor expressed astonishment at this turn of events, as such interactions with donors were not part of the hospital's practice.

Dr. Otabor revealed, "The police conducted a thorough investigation and found no basis to indict us. Our detained staff was subsequently released. However, the lawyers representing the involved parties later demanded compensation of N150 million from the hospital. We rejected this and advised them to seek legal recourse. Instead, they opted to hold a press conference and disseminate their twisted version of events. It is crucial to approach press reports with caution."