Four suspects have been paraded by the Nigeria Police Force over their alleged involvement in an organ harvesting and human trafficking syndicate operating in Nasarawa State.
The suspects are Emmanuel Ode, 23; Dr Benjamin Oyime, 48, a nephrologist and consultant to Wellington Hospital, Life Camp, Abuja; Dr Daniel Otukpa, 53, also a nephrologist and Acting Director of Clinical Services at Wellington Hospital; and David Idoko, 25.
According to a statement issued on Friday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, they were arrested by operatives of the Special Tactical Squad during a sting operation on August 19, 2026, at Auta Balifi, Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
The statement noted that Ode allegedly confessed during interrogation to recruiting victims under false pretences.
“He (Ode) disclosed that on 24th April 2026, he lured one Samuel Ezekiel, 22, to Wellington Hospital, Life Camp, Abuja, where his kidney was allegedly harvested for the sum of $1,250 USD (One Thousand Two Hundred and Fifty US Dollars), equivalent to ₦1,700,000.00 (One Million Seven Hundred Thousand Naira) at the current exchange rate.
“A second victim alleged that he was lured by the same agent in 2022 to a hospital where his kidney was harvested, for which he was paid the sum of ₦7,000,000.00 (Seven Million Naira),” it read.
Furthermore, the statement disclosed that the suspects allegedly exploited the victims’ financial difficulties to obtain consent for illegal organ harvesting.
“Investigations revealed that the suspects and their accomplices allegedly targeted vulnerable and uneducated young persons within Nasarawa State and its environs, exploiting their financial desperation to obtain consent for illegal organ harvesting.
“Evidence gathered indicates that the suspects forged official documents, including victims’ names, National Identification Numbers (NIN), birth certificates, age declarations, affidavits, and consent letters to facilitate these criminal activities.”
The police said clothes allegedly purchased with proceeds of the crime were recovered as exhibits during the operation.
The Force said investigations were ongoing to apprehend other suspects allegedly connected to the syndicate.
It also reaffirmed its commitment to dismantling human trafficking and organ harvesting networks across the country and protecting vulnerable citizens from exploitation.
