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The Nigeria Police Force has arrested four suspects, including two medical doctors, over their alleged involvement in an organ harvesting and human trafficking syndicate operating in Nasarawa State.
The suspects were paraded by operatives of the Police Special Tactical Squad (STS) following their arrest during a sting operation conducted on August 19, 2026, in Auta Balifi, Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
Police identified the suspects as Emmanuel Ode, 23, from Auta Balifi, Nasarawa State; Dr. Benjamin Oyime, 48, an Edo State indigene and nephrologist attached to Wellington Hospital, Life Camp, Abuja; Dr. Daniel Otukpa, 53, a nephrologist from Benue State and Acting Director of Clinical Services at the same hospital; and David Idoko, 25.
According to the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, clothes allegedly purchased with proceeds of the crime were recovered during the operation.
Police said investigations began after credible intelligence linked the suspects to a network allegedly involved in recruiting vulnerable young people for illegal organ harvesting.
During interrogation, Emmanuel Ode allegedly confessed to luring victims with false promises before taking them to Wellington Hospital in Abuja, where their kidneys were reportedly harvested.
He allegedly told investigators that on April 24, 2026, he recruited a 22-year-old identified as Samuel Ezekiel, whose kidney was allegedly harvested for $1,250, equivalent to about ₦1.7 million.
Investigators also uncovered the case of another victim who claimed he was similarly deceived in 2022 and received ₦7 million after his kidney was allegedly removed.
Police further alleged that the syndicate preyed on vulnerable and financially distressed youths in Nasarawa State and neighbouring communities, exploiting their economic hardship.
The investigation also revealed that the suspects allegedly forged official documents, including National Identification Number (NIN) records, birth certificates, age declarations, affidavits and consent letters to facilitate the illegal procedures.
The Force said efforts are ongoing to arrest other members of the syndicate who remain at large.
Reaffirming its commitment to combating human trafficking and organ harvesting, the Nigeria Police Force said it would continue to dismantle criminal networks involved in the exploitation of vulnerable Nigerians and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
