The Plateau State High Court has discharged and acquitted Dr. Noah Kekere and two others of all allegations in the controversial kidney harvesting case that stirred public outrage in Jos.
The court struck out all charges, citing lack of evidence and inconsistencies, following a withdrawal by the prosecution after more than a year of legal battles.
Dr. Kekere was accused of removing Mrs. Kehinde Kamaru’s right kidney during an appendix surgery and was also linked to a similar claim by Mallam Ejibade during a hernia operation.
The charges included criminal conspiracy, culpable homicide, and organ trafficking, all of which were strongly challenged by Dr. Kekere’s legal team comprising SAN Umor, Prof. A.S. Shaakaah, and M.P. Mwasat Esq.
The prosecution, led by the Plateau State Ministry of Justice, failed to present credible evidence, including a medical report from the Ministry of Health submitted in November 2023 but never officially tendered in court.
In Court 11 on March 24, 2025, and Court 9 on April 8, 2025, the judges struck out the charges after forensic tests revealed no proof of organ removal.
Court records revealed a string of delays: in Court 9, there were eight appearances and several adjournments, with the complainants missing in action since January 2024.
Similarly, Court 11 saw nine sittings and six adjournments, with the prosecution failing to appear on three occasions and the complainant only showing up twice since 2023.
As the verdict was announced, Dr. Kekere broke down in tears, calling it a moment of “divine vindication” after enduring public shame and prolonged detention.
“I am pained that my hard-earned reputation has been dragged through the mud by falsehood, envy, and blackmail,” he said, recounting how his hospital was shut down for nearly two years.
He stressed the importance of public awareness, noting that some people are born with a single kidney and can live healthy lives without complications.
The verdict marks the end of one of Plateau’s most heated medical controversies and raises questions about justice delivery, trial by media, and the role of law enforcement in protecting citizens’ rights.
