The Enugu State government has provided clarification on the story making the rounds of social media relating to the alleged removal of the kidney of a 15-year old boy, Chidera Nnamdi, during a medical procedure in 2022, saying medical investigations by the Enugu State University Teaching Hospital (ESUTH), University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku-Ozalla and Hansa Clinics, showed the said boy had no left kidney.
The clarification was made on Sunday in a statement by the Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Ngozi Enih, who also said that medical examinations showed that the only cut on the boy was a small incision on the right side of his lower abdomen, explaining that, according to medical doctors, it is medically impossible to remove anybody’s kidney from an appendectomy procedure.
“As usual, the Enugu State Government took interest in this matter and swung into action upon receipt of the complaint, working closely with the police to determine the facts of the matter.
“First, Chidera was taken to the Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, Park Lane, Enugu, where medical investigations showed that no kidney was harvested, as the boy was born with only one kidney.
“The doctors established that the only cut on the boy was a small incision on the right side of his lower abdomen for an appendectomy procedure.
“It was also discovered that Chidera was suffering from a serious stomach ulcer, which could partly explain the abdominal pains.
“The boy’s father rejected the initial result, following which the boy was taken to the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, (UNTH) Enugu, for further probe. The findings were exactly the same as those of the ESUT Teaching Hospital. The nephrologists also recommended a CT scan if there was still some doubt.
“The CT scan was done on him at Hansa Clinics, one of the best and most reputable facilities in Enugu.
“Excerpt of the CT scan report dated 11th October 2024 and signed by Prof S.O Mgbor, Medical Director and Consulting Radiologist reads: ‘The left kidney is not seen in its expected position and there is no demonstrable vermiform structure elsewhere in the abdomen or lung bases. No left venal blood vessels seen. The suprarenal glands on both sides are intact.’”
Mrs. Enih further explained that it was also discovered during investigation by the police that both the supposed medical doctor, hospital, and laboratory patronised by Chidera’s parents were quacks.
She highlighted that the x-ray report being flaunted to demonstrate that Chidera used to have two kidneys also showed that he had prostate enlargement at age 13, which was the boy’s age when the x-ray was conducted in 2022.
“The police had to begin to trace the source of the confusion, starting from the laboratory in Nsukka area. It was discovered that they were in the habit of faking results by simply copying and pasting other people’s results and issuing them as genuine.
“It was discovered that the X-ray result copied, pasted and issued to Chidera’s parents was that of an adult male, a crime the lab technician confessed to and was arraigned alongside the quack doctor.
“Despite all these efforts, Chidera’s father was still dissatisfied with all the outcomes, hence the government now asked him to choose any other facility, including facilities outside Enugu State, and the police would be made to take the boy to the place for further medical investigation.
“Meanwhile, it was discovered in the course of investigation that Joe Foundation Hospital and Maternity in Igboeze South LGA was not registered with the Enugu State Ministry of Health, hence it was sealed after the investigation.
“The so-called Dr. Shedrack Obinna Ekeh is also not registered with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, hence a quack.
“These findings explain their being charged for forgery and practicing without a license, not organ removal,” she added.
She, however said that the Magistrate had ordered that the case file be transferred to the Attorney-General/Department of Public Prosecution, which would now review the case, including the charges, and advise/act appropriately.
“What is clear from the series of the medical investigations so far is that Chidera’s kidney was not removed.
“But even equally importantly, the boy’s parents are still free to recommend any other health facility of their choice, while anyone who is genuinely interested in the matter can also sponsor him to any reputable medical facility of his or choice. The bottom line is that justice is seen to have been done,” Mrs Enih concluded..
