Jane Salihu
The Nigeria Police Force has uncovered an alleged network that targeted financially vulnerable young people in Nasarawa State and its environs, allegedly using forged identity and consent documents to facilitate the illegal harvesting of human organs.
The Force disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday, August 28, 2026, by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, who said operatives of the Special Tactical Squad (STS) had arrested and paraded four suspects linked to the alleged organ harvesting and human trafficking syndicate.
According to the police, the suspects were arrested on August 19 during a sting operation at about 6:00 p.m. in Auta Balifi, Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, following credible intelligence on the activities of the syndicate.
The suspects were identified as Emmanuel Ode, 23; Dr. Benjamin Oyime, 48, a nephrologist and kidney consultant to Wellington Hospital, Life Camp, Abuja; Dr. Daniel Otukpa, 53, also a nephrologist and Acting Director of Clinical Services at the hospital; and David Idoko, 25.
The police said clothes allegedly purchased with proceeds from the criminal activities were recovered during the operation.
In what could point to the scale and sophistication of the alleged operation, investigators said members of the syndicate allegedly forged critical documents used to facilitate organ harvesting.
The documents reportedly included victims’ names, National Identification Numbers, birth certificates, age declarations, affidavits and consent letters.
The police alleged that the syndicate deliberately targeted vulnerable and uneducated young people, exploiting their financial difficulties to obtain consent for the illegal removal of their organs.
During interrogation, Ode allegedly confessed to recruiting victims under false pretences.
Police said Ode disclosed that on April 24, 2026, he allegedly lured a 22-year-old man identified as Samuel Ezekiel to Wellington Hospital, Life Camp, Abuja, where his kidney was allegedly harvested.
According to the police, Ode stated that the victim was paid $1,250, equivalent to about ₦1.7 million at the stated exchange rate, for the kidney.
The police also said a second victim alleged that he was lured by the same agent in 2022 to a hospital where his kidney was allegedly harvested, after which he was paid ₦7 million.
The Force said investigations were continuing to establish the full extent of the syndicate’s operations and identify other persons allegedly involved in the network.
It added that efforts were ongoing to apprehend other suspects believed to be connected to the operation who were still at large.
The police reaffirmed its commitment to dismantling human trafficking and organ-harvesting networks across the country, while urging greater protection for vulnerable citizens against exploitation.
The investigation also underscores the need for stronger scrutiny of medical, identity and consent documentation used in organ-related procedures, particularly where vulnerable individuals are involved.
