The House of Representatives has summoned the Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Fatima Waziri, over an alleged unlawful detention of the Chief Executive Officer of Alliance Hospital, Abuja, Dr Christopher Otabor.
Otabor was arrested on the orders of the NAPTIP boss for alleged organ harvesting.
The Chairman of the House Committee on Public Petition, Mike Etaba, on Friday, ordered the NAPTIP DG to appear on 18 April at the resumed hearing of the committee on a petition submitted by Otabor
The committee urged the DG to appear and answer questions concerning the unlawful detention of Otabor, adding that failure to do so would leave the committee with no choice but to issue a warrant of arrest.
Etaba, who described Alliance Hospital as one of the most respected medical facilities in Abuja, said it was unfortunate that the NAPTIP boss, who detained Otabor for four days was not at the investigative hearing to respond to the allegations.
“This country is not lawless. 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”, he threatened.
He said it was unfortunate that the agency relied on social media to obtain information that led to Otabor’s arrest and detention.
The committee stated such action could tarnish someone’s image, adding that such conduct was unacceptable.
“We must get the date of the arrest and those involved in the arrest, including the statement from the investigating police officer. Why are we discouraging the japa syndrome, when some who are helping this country to grow are being hounded?” the committee chairman quizzed.
Also, a member of the committee, Victor Ogene (LP, Anambra) commended the CEO of Alliance Hospital for bringing the matter before the lawmakers.
“This is the people’s house; this suggests that you have nothing to hide, though I am not exonerating you. All the law enforcement agencies that are supposed to come and present their cases aren’t here.
“The DG of NAPTIP should be summoned before this committee to appear. She knows why she did the illegal detention. The law has prescribed a term of detention.
“Agencies involved should do a proper investigation before arresting people, not arresting them before the investigation. Everyone connected to this matter must be brought before this committee”, he stated.
Speaking earlier on his petition, Otabor said the police had earlier questioned him over an allegation of organ harvesting and found nothing against him.
