An Abuja-based private hospital, Wellington Clinics, has denied allegations that it was involved in the illegal sale or harvesting of human organs, following a police investigation into an alleged organ-trafficking and human-trafficking syndicate operating in Abuja and Nasarawa State.
The hospital has also announced the suspension of all kidney transplant-related services at its facility pending the conclusion of investigations into a kidney transplant carried out on April 24, 2026.
The development follows the arrest and parade of four suspects by the Nigeria Police Force, including two medical doctors linked to Wellington Hospital.
Police alleged that a 22-year-old man, identified as Samuel Ezekiel, was deceived into undergoing a kidney removal procedure at the Abuja facility. According to the police, the victim was allegedly paid $1,250, approximately N1.7 million, for his kidney.
Wellington Clinics, however, rejected the allegation that it participated in or benefited from any financial transaction involving the donor and recipient.
In a statement signed by its Director of Administration, Yemi Olatunbosun, the hospital said its records identified the donor as Abubakar Hassan. It stated that the procedure was performed by a specialist medical team led by Dr Benjamin Oyimeh, a Senior Consultant Nephrologist and Chief Executive Officer of Crown Medical and Kidney Centre.
The hospital explained that its role was limited to providing an equipped operating theatre and an appropriate medical environment for the procedure under a pre-agreed facility-rental arrangement.
According to the clinic, it did not recruit the donor, negotiate any payment or participate in any alleged financial transaction between the donor and recipient.
Wellington Clinics said the specialist team remained responsible for the clinical management of both individuals throughout the procedure.
The hospital also stated that, under its collaboration arrangement with specialist medical teams, the lead consultant is responsible for patient recruitment, clinical assessment, donor-recipient compatibility testing, informed consent, ethical screening and other clinical and medico-legal requirements.
It added that the medical team was expected to comply with the National Health Act 2014 and applicable guidelines of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria.
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