The Enugu State Government has revealed that Chidera Nnamdi, a 15-year-old boy who alleged that one of his kidneys was removed during surgery, was born with only one kidney.
The claim by Chidera’s parents that his left kidney was removed during an appendectomy in 2022 prompted the government to launch an investigation. In a statement released by Governor Peter Mbah’s Senior Special Assistant on Media, the Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs, and Social Development, Mrs. Ngozi Enih, provided a detailed account of the findings.
According to the statement, medical investigations at the Enugu State University Teaching Hospital (ESUT), Park Lane, Enugu, revealed that Chidera had no left kidney from birth. The only surgical incision found on his body was on the right side of his lower abdomen, consistent with an appendectomy procedure.
Despite this, Chidera’s father rejected the result, leading to further examinations at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Enugu. The findings at UNTH were identical to those from ESUT. To address any lingering doubts, a CT scan was conducted at Hansa Clinics, a reputable medical facility in Enugu.
The CT scan report, dated October 11, 2024, and signed by Prof. S.O. Mgbor, Medical Director and Consulting Radiologist, confirmed the absence of the left kidney, stating:
“The left kidney is not seen in its expected position, and there is no demonstrable vermiform structure elsewhere in the abdomen or lung bases. No left renal blood vessels are seen. The suprarenal glands on both sides are intact.”
The investigation also uncovered malpractice at a laboratory in the Nsukka area. It was discovered that the laboratory had issued Chidera’s parents a fraudulent X-ray result by copying and pasting details from another person’s test result. The lab technician and a quack doctor involved in the fraud were arrested and arraigned.
Further investigation led to the discovery that Joe Foundation Hospital and Maternity, where Chidera’s appendectomy was performed, was not registered with the Enugu State Ministry of Health. The hospital was subsequently sealed, and the so-called “Dr. Shedrack Obinna Ekeh” was found not to be registered with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, confirming his status as a quack doctor.
The statement emphasized that despite all the medical reports confirming Chidera’s congenital condition, his parents remain dissatisfied. As a result, the government has offered to sponsor additional tests at any medical facility of the family’s choice, including facilities outside Enugu State, to ensure public confidence in the investigation.
