A Shocking Breach of Trust: Ekiti Teaching Hospital Fires Surgeon Over Alleged Secret Kidney Removal

The Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital has been thrust into the national spotlight following a disturbing allegation that has shaken confidence in the medical profession and reignited conversations about patient safety in Nigeria’s healthcare system. The hospital has dismissed a surgeon accused of secretly removing a patient’s kidney during a medical procedure, an act that authorities say was carried out without the patient’s knowledge or consent. The decision, confirmed by the Ekiti State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Oyebanji Filani, marks a swift and decisive response to an incident that has sparked outrage, concern, and widespread debate.

The case came to public attention after Joshua Afolayan, a kidney transplant recipient, reported that one of his kidneys had been removed without his authorization. According to information made available by state officials, Afolayan’s complaint triggered an internal review at the teaching hospital, which subsequently uncovered what has been described as a grave violation of medical ethics and patient rights. Following preliminary findings, hospital management moved to terminate the appointment of the surgeon allegedly responsible, while also notifying relevant authorities to ensure a thorough investigation.

Dr. Filani, speaking on the matter, emphasized that the Ekiti State Government would not tolerate any action that undermines patient trust or violates established medical protocols. He noted that informed consent is a fundamental pillar of healthcare delivery and that any deviation from this principle constitutes a serious offense. The commissioner assured the public that the government is committed to upholding the highest ethical standards across all state-owned health facilities and will take further action if investigations reveal additional lapses.

The allegation has sent shockwaves through the medical community, particularly because teaching hospitals are expected to operate at the highest level of professionalism, serving not only as centers of care but also as institutions for training future medical practitioners. For many Nigerians, the idea that a patient could undergo a procedure only to later discover that a vital organ was removed without consent is deeply unsettling. It has fueled fears about safety in hospitals and raised questions about how closely surgical procedures are monitored.

Medical experts have been quick to point out that organ removal, especially involving kidneys, is a highly regulated procedure that requires explicit and documented consent from the patient or, in rare emergency cases, from legally authorized representatives. Any departure from these rules is considered a severe ethical breach with potential criminal implications. In this case, the absence of consent lies at the heart of the controversy, transforming what might have been a complex medical issue into a clear matter of alleged misconduct.

Hospital sources indicate that EKSUTH has launched an internal audit of its surgical processes to identify possible systemic failures that may have allowed the incident to occur. There are indications that additional safeguards may be introduced, including stricter documentation requirements, enhanced oversight during surgeries, and routine post-operative reviews involving independent panels. These measures, officials say, are aimed at restoring public confidence and preventing a recurrence of such an incident.

The case has also attracted the attention of civil society organizations and patient advocacy groups, many of which are calling for greater transparency and accountability within the healthcare system. Some groups have urged the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria to take up the matter, stressing that professional sanctions should accompany any administrative actions taken by the hospital. They argue that strong consequences are necessary to deter similar behavior and to reassure patients that their rights are protected.

On social media, reactions have been swift and emotional, with many Nigerians expressing disbelief and anger over the alleged act. While some users have called for a full criminal investigation and possible prosecution, others have used the opportunity to highlight broader issues in the health sector, including understaffing, weak oversight, and the pressure faced by medical professionals. Despite differing opinions, there is widespread agreement that patient consent must never be compromised under any circumstances.

Legal experts note that if the allegations are proven, the dismissed surgeon could face serious legal consequences beyond losing their job. Unauthorized removal of an organ may fall under criminal offenses related to bodily harm and could also attract civil liability, including substantial compensation to the affected patient. Such outcomes, they say, would depend on the findings of ongoing investigations and any subsequent court proceedings.

For Joshua Afolayan, the revelation has reportedly been life-altering. While details surrounding his medical condition and subsequent treatment remain limited, the emotional and psychological impact of discovering that a major organ was removed without consent cannot be overstated. His case has become a symbol of the vulnerability patients face when trust in medical professionals is broken, underscoring the need for stronger patient education and empowerment.

The Ekiti State Government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring justice in the matter, promising to cooperate fully with all investigative bodies. Officials have also appealed to the public to remain calm and allow due process to take its course, cautioning against speculation while investigations are ongoing. According to the government, the prompt dismissal of the surgeon demonstrates a zero-tolerance stance on ethical violations and reflects a broader effort to reform and strengthen healthcare delivery in the state.

As the story continues to unfold, the incident at Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital stands as a stark reminder of the importance of ethics, transparency, and accountability in medicine. It highlights the delicate trust placed in healthcare professionals and the devastating consequences when that trust is breached. For many Nigerians, the hope is that this case will not only bring justice to the affected patient but also lead to lasting reforms that ensure hospitals remain places of healing, not harm.