NAPTIP DG summoned by House of Representatives Over Alleged Unlawful Detention of Alliance Hospital Boss

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

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

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

The chairman said that it was unfortunate that NAPTIP, who detained him for four days was not at the investigative hearing to respond to the allegations.

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 committee will ensure thorough investigation of the matter and anyone found guilty will be punished in accordance with the law.

“This country is not a lawless country; whoever violates the Nigerian constitution will be dealt with severely. Everybody that is supposed to respond to the petition must be here, or we will issue an arrest warrant.”

The committee said all the people involved in the unlawful arrest and detention of the Otabor must be brought before the committee to explain the reason for their actions.

“We must get the date of the arrest and those involved in the arrest, including the statement from the IPO.

Dr. Christopher, Otabor said the police had earlier questioned him over an allegation of organ harvesting and found that it was untrue and some of his staff who were earlier detained were released.

Dr. Christopher alleged that following the video circulating on social media that he was involved in organ harvesting, NAPTIP, without investigation, ordered his arrest.

He said such an allegation was an attempt to damage the goodwill and reputation he had enjoyed for years.

While ruling on the matter, the chairman of the committee adjourned until April 18, 2024 for further hearing.