The Nigeria Police Force has arrested four suspects, including two medical doctors, over an alleged organ harvesting and human trafficking syndicate operating in Nasarawa State.
The suspects were arrested by operatives of the Special Tactical Squad (STS) during a sting operation in Auta Balifi, Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, on August 19, 2026, following credible intelligence on the activities of the alleged syndicate.
According to an official statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, the suspects were paraded on August 27, 2026, as investigations continued into the alleged criminal network.
Those arrested were Emmanuel Ode, 23, of Auta Balifi, Nasarawa State; Dr. Benjamin Oyime, 48, of Edo State, a nephrologist and consultant to Wellington Hospital, Life Camp, Abuja; Dr. Daniel Otukpa, 53, of Benue State, also a nephrologist and Acting Director of Clinical Services at Wellington Hospital; and David Idoko, 25.
The police said clothes allegedly purchased with proceeds from the crime were recovered as exhibits during the operation.
During interrogation, the police said Ode confessed to recruiting victims under false pretences and provided information on how some of the alleged operations were carried out.
According to the statement, 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 the victim’s kidney was allegedly harvested.
The victim was reportedly paid $1,250, equivalent to approximately ₦1.7 million at the prevailing exchange rate, for the organ.
The police further said a second victim alleged that he was similarly lured by the same agent in 2022 to a hospital, where his kidney was allegedly harvested, after which he was paid ₦7 million.
Investigations, according to the Force, revealed that the suspects and their alleged accomplices targeted vulnerable and poorly educated young persons in Nasarawa State and neighbouring areas.
The police said the alleged syndicate exploited the financial desperation of the victims to obtain consent for illegal organ harvesting.
The investigation also uncovered alleged forgery of official documents used to facilitate the activities, including victims’ names, National Identification Numbers, birth certificates, age declarations, affidavits and consent letters.
The Force said investigations were ongoing to establish the full extent of the syndicate’s activities and identify other persons allegedly involved in the operation.
It added that efforts were also underway to apprehend other suspects believed to be connected to the network who were still at large.
The Nigeria Police Force reaffirmed its commitment to dismantling human trafficking and organ harvesting networks across the country and protecting vulnerable citizens from exploitation.
The Force urged members of the public to remain vigilant and provide relevant information that could assist security agencies in identifying and disrupting criminal networks involved in human trafficking and other forms of exploitation.
