Mark Lobel, a UK freelance journalist and former BBC Nigeria correspondent, has revealed startling details about the lengths some Nigerians are willing to go for money. In a documentary titled *’How Sen Ekweremadu Was Arrested in London for Organ Harvesting,’* Lobel, produced by Nigerian journalist Chude Jideonwo, exposes the dark side of Nigeria’s desperation for financial gain.
Lobel’s investigation uncovers a case where an unnamed Nigerian disc jockey sold his kidney in Egypt to afford an upgraded laptop. This revelation comes in the wake of the sentencing of former Nigerian Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, his wife Beatrice, and Dr. Obinna Obetta, who were convicted of organ trafficking under the UK’s Modern Slavery Act.
Lobel’s documentary highlights the shocking reality of the organ trade in Nigeria. He recounts meeting a computer merchant who shared that his customer had financed his new laptop by selling his kidney. The merchant expressed concern over the DJ’s health and the inadequate aftercare following the illegal surgery.
“I was shocked by what I found in Nigeria and by how some individuals are prepared to risk their health for money,” Lobel said. He questioned the lack of proper medical follow-up for the DJ and raised concerns about the dangers and legality of organ trafficking.
