A 42-year-old man named Nwoko Eric disclosed how his former employer allegedly deceived him into donating one of his kidneys to the employer’s younger brother, only to be abandoned after the transplant had been completed.
Speaking to reporters in Gbagada Estate, Phase 1, Lagos, the native of Abia State, who was employed by the Managing Director of a company in Ikeja, detailed that in 2018, his boss tasked him with driving the boss’s unwell brother to Saint Nicolas Hospital on Lagos Island for dialysis while the boss was abroad.
He said, “ When he returned to the country, he appreciated me for taking his brother to the hospital and informed me that his brother’s kidney had failed and that in the next one week , he might lose his life. He asked if I could donate one of my kidneys to him.
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Subsequently, he instructed me to kneel down for a prayer, during which he applied a liquid substance to my head.
“He informed me that he would provide me with 20 million dollars, purchase a house for me in America, and introduce me to his wealthy friend in America, where I would have the opportunity to drive luxurious cars. I was thrilled,” he recounted.
“I was hospitalized for three days, and on the scheduled day, the surgery was performed. They provided me with some medication. However, from 2018 until now, I have not received any further medical treatment,” he lamented.
Disagreement
“A week after my boss rented an apartment for me, he instructed me to return to the office, with a monthly salary of N70,000. He cautioned that if I ever missed work due to health concerns, he would deduct N30,000 from my salary. Even when I expressed my weakness, he would yell at me, insisting that I could manage with one kidney,” he revealed.
“When I requested Mr. Steve to fulfill his commitment and provide the money and other promises he made prior to the donation, he kept stalling. Eventually, I confided in my mother about what had occurred. All I want is for him to honor the promises he made before the surgery was performed, so I can continue to live with my remaining kidney. His brother is now in good health, while I am suffering. I came from a humble background and was struggling with poverty. I believed that giving one of my kidneys in exchange for compensation would change my life and my family’s,” he expressed his grievance.
Mother laments
His mother, Mrs Gloria Nwoko , said she had been trying to reach her son for some time without luck, unknown to her that he had donated his kidney.
She said, “ I have been wondering why he had not been picking my calls until October 13, 2023, when he called and told me what happened. We were living together until he suddenly relocated to Mowe, Ogun State.
“ At the moment, my son cannot walk . He needs medical help. He has lost so much weight . I am only requesting that Mr Steve should help my son survive like his brother. Yes , we are poor, but I believe the AIG will help us get justice”, she said.
Speaking also, Counsel to the victim, Tony Dania, revealed that when the victim was taken to Saint Nicholas Hospital , his boss’s younger sister whose identity he gave simply as Deborah, acted as the victim’s wife
He said , “ after the operation carried out by one Dr Gbagboye, on December 22, 2018, his boss, Steve ,rented an apartment for him and asked him to stay away from the family.
“A good Samaritan took them to Zone 2 Police COmmand , where some policemen were detailed to arrest his boss.
“We want the Nigeria Police to see this as a test case and do its best. Organ sale is illegal and criminal. The person giving should give consent and there are procedures. Deborah is not the wife of the victim and she signed as one. This is also a case of forgery. A donor’s consent is needed for any surgery.
“In this case, Eric signed a document in an office , he did not read what he signed at Mr Steve’s office and in the hospital. His boss only told him to just say yes, so he did not ask a question. If the consent was obtained by deceit, then the consent cannot hold”, he maintained.
Police arrest victim’s boss
As of time of writing this report, owner of De-Akasten Global Limited, Ikeja, was still in Police custody at the Zone 2 Police Command, Onikan, Lagos.
When contacted, spokesperson for the Zone 2 Command, Onikan, Lagos, SP Hauwa Idris-Adamu , stated that Eric’s boss was at that moment being interrogated .
She said, “ He is being interrogated as we speak. I will get back to you after the interrogation.”