Dr. Noah Kekere, the Jos-based medical doctor accused in 2023 of illegally harvesting a patient’s kidney, has spoken publicly for the first time following his discharge and acquittal by a Plateau State High Court earlier this year.
Dr. Kekere, popularly known in the community as “Dr. Yellow” due to his extensive humanitarian health outreach, was arrested and detained in late 2023 after a woman, Busari Kamal, alleged that her kidney had been removed without consent during a routine procedure at Kekere’s Monarch Hospital in Jos North.
Following months of media scrutiny, court proceedings, and public outrage, the Plateau State High Court in April 2025 dismissed all four charges brought against Dr. Kekere and two others, citing lack of evidence and inconsistencies in the prosecution’s case.
In an exclusive account, Dr. Kekere recounted his ordeal, including over 18 court appearances in two separate High Court divisions, 9 and 11. He spent time in detention and was denied access to the media to defend himself while his facility was vandalized and his reputation damaged.
“I was falsely accused of removing a woman’s kidney,” he said. “After thorough forensic and medical investigations, it was established that she was born with only one kidney—a condition known medically as a ‘solitary kidney.’ There was never any surgical removal.”
A committee set up by the Plateau State Government, comprising medical experts and consultants, carried out extensive evaluations including angiography and CT scans, confirming the kidney had not been removed but was congenitally absent.
Based on these findings, the Plateau State Ministry of Justice withdrew all charges. The courts subsequently struck out the case and issued certificates of discharge to Dr. Kekere and his co-defendants.
“There was never any organ harvesting. We don’t even have the capacity or technical expertise to carry out such a procedure,” Dr. Kekere stated. “The accusations were baseless—fueled, I believe, by envy and a desire to drive us out of the community.”
Despite speculation that he may have influenced the court’s decision, Dr. Kekere maintained he had no access to judges or government officials and was in detention throughout much of the legal process. “The truth is what set me free. I had no power, money, or influence—just facts and a clear conscience.
Dr. Kekere, a consultant in public health and founder of Monarch Hospital, said the allegations devastated his practice. Over 25 staff members lost their jobs, and the facility—known for providing free medical services to underserved populations—remains closed due to security concerns and public mistrust.
“I’ve not fully resumed operations because of threats and the potential for renewed chaos,” he said. “We were almost burnt down by an angry mob during the height of the accusation, but some community members who remembered our service stood in our defense.”
He called on the Plateau State Government to support his efforts to rebuild the facility and reemploy displaced workers.
Though encouraged by others to pursue defamation lawsuits, Dr. Kekere said he has chosen to forgive. “I leave my accusers to God. I’m a Christian, and I believe vengeance belongs to the Lord. My focus now is to rebuild and move forward.”
He expressed gratitude to the public, medical community, and media for helping share the truth, saying, “In Nigeria, false accusations often spread faster than facts. But in time, the truth prevailed.”
Dr. Kekere remains committed to public health service and hopes to return to full operations once safety and public perception allow.
“I have dedicated my life to serving others, and this won’t stop me. I just hope the public now knows the truth—and that justice, in the end, was served.”