The Nigeria Police Force has busted an alleged organ-harvesting and human trafficking syndicate operating in Nasarawa State, arrested four suspects, including two nephrologists linked to a hospital in Abuja.
The suspects were paraded on August 27, 2026, following their arrest by operatives of the Special Tactical Squad (STS) during a sting operation in Auta Balifi, Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
The operation, which was conducted on August 19 at about 6:00 p.m., was based on credible intelligence gathered by the police. Clothes allegedly purchased with proceeds from the criminal activities were recovered as exhibits.
Those arrested are Emmanuel Ode, 23, of Auta Balifi, Nasarawa State; Dr. Benjamin Oyime, 48, an Edo State indigene and nephrologist (kidney consultant) at Wellington Hospital, Life Camp, Abuja; Dr. Daniel Otukpa, 53, from Benue State, also a nephrologist and Acting Director of Clinical Services at Wellington Hospital; and David Idoko, 25.
According to the police, Ode confessed during interrogation to recruiting victims under false pretences.
He allegedly disclosed that on April 24, 2026, he lured a 22-year-old man identified as Samuel Ezekiel to Wellington Hospital, Life Camp, Abuja, where the victim’s kidney was allegedly harvested in exchange for $1,250, said to be equivalent to about ₦1.7 million.
The police said a second victim also alleged that he was lured by the same agent in 2022 to a hospital, where his kidney was allegedly harvested and he was paid ₦7 million.
Investigations further revealed that the suspects and their alleged accomplices targeted vulnerable and uneducated young people in Nasarawa State and neighbouring areas, exploiting their financial difficulties to obtain consent for illegal organ harvesting.
The police said evidence gathered during the investigation indicated that official documents were allegedly forged to facilitate the activities of the syndicate.
The documents allegedly falsified included victims’ names, National Identification Numbers (NIN), birth certificates, age declarations, affidavits and consent letters.
The Nigeria Police Force said investigations were ongoing, with efforts intensified to arrest other fleeing suspects allegedly connected to the syndicate.
The Force also reaffirmed its commitment to dismantling networks involved in human trafficking and illegal organ harvesting and protecting vulnerable Nigerians from exploitation.
