The Nigeria Police Force has paraded four suspects, including two medical doctors, allegedly linked to an organ harvesting and human trafficking syndicate operating in Nasarawa State.
Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja.
According to the police, operatives of the Special Tactical Squad (STS) arrested the suspects during a sting operation conducted around 6pm on August 19 in Auta Balifi, Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, following credible intelligence.
The suspects were identified as 23-year-old Emmanuel Ode; Dr. Benjamin Oyime, 48, a nephrologist and consultant at Wellington Hospital, Life Camp, Abuja; Dr. Daniel Otukpa, 53, also a nephrologist and Acting Director of Clinical Services at the hospital; and 25-year-old David Idoko.
Police said clothes allegedly purchased with proceeds from the criminal activities were recovered as exhibits.
During interrogation, Ode allegedly confessed to recruiting victims under false pretences.
He reportedly disclosed that on April 24, 2026, he lured a 22-year-old man, Samuel Ezekiel, to Wellington Hospital, where the victim’s kidney was allegedly harvested for $1,250, equivalent to about ₦1.7 million.
Another victim reportedly alleged that Ode lured him to a hospital in 2022, where his kidney was allegedly harvested. He claimed he was paid ₦7 million.
Investigators said the syndicate allegedly targeted vulnerable and uneducated young people in Nasarawa State and neighbouring areas, taking advantage of their financial difficulties to obtain consent for illegal organ harvesting.
The police further alleged that members of the syndicate forged documents, including victims’ names, National Identification Numbers, birth certificates, age declarations, affidavits and consent letters, to facilitate the alleged operations.
The Force said investigations were ongoing, while efforts were being made to arrest other suspects believed to be connected to the syndicate.
The police reaffirmed its commitment to dismantling human trafficking and organ harvesting networks and protecting vulnerable Nigerians from exploitation.
