The Nigeria Police Force has uncovered an alleged network accused of exploiting financially vulnerable young people in Nasarawa State for illegal organ harvesting, with investigators also alleging the use of falsified documents to facilitate the operations.
Four suspects were arrested by operatives of the Special Tactical Squad (STS) on August 19, 2026, following intelligence on the activities of the alleged syndicate.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, said the suspects were apprehended during a sting operation at about 6 p.m. in Auta Balifi, Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
The suspects were identified as Emmanuel Ode, 23; Dr Benjamin Oyime, 48, a nephrologist at Wellington Hospital, Life Camp, Abuja; Dr Daniel Otukpa, 53, a nephrologist and Acting Director of Clinical Services at the hospital; and David Idoko, 25.
According to the police, Ode allegedly admitted recruiting victims through false representations before taking them to medical facilities where their kidneys were allegedly removed.
Investigators alleged that one of the victims, 22-year-old Samuel Ezekiel, was taken to Wellington Hospital on April 24, 2026, where one of his kidneys was allegedly removed. The police said he was reportedly paid $1,250, estimated at about N1.7 million.
Another alleged victim reportedly told investigators that he was recruited by the same agent in 2022 and taken to a hospital, where one of his kidneys was allegedly removed after he was paid N7 million.
The Force said preliminary investigations suggested that the alleged syndicate targeted economically disadvantaged youths in Nasarawa and surrounding communities, taking advantage of their financial difficulties.
Police investigators also alleged that official documents were falsified to facilitate the procedures. The documents reportedly included National Identification Numbers, birth certificates, age declarations, affidavits and consent letters.
During the operation, officers recovered clothes allegedly purchased with proceeds from the suspected criminal activities.
The police said investigations were continuing to uncover the full structure of the alleged network and identify other persons believed to be involved.
The Force urged members of the public to remain vigilant, particularly against individuals offering suspicious financial opportunities involving medical procedures, while assuring Nigerians that efforts were ongoing to disrupt networks involved in human trafficking and illegal organ harvesting.
