The Nigeria Police Force has paraded four suspects, including two medical doctors, over their alleged involvement in an organ-harvesting and human-trafficking syndicate operating in Nasarawa State.
Drivetvnews gathered that the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja.
According to the police, operatives of the Special Tactical Squad conducted a sting operation at about 6pm on August 19 in Auta Balifi, Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, following credible intelligence on the activities of the suspected syndicate.
The suspects paraded were Emmanuel Ode, 23, from Auta Balifi; Dr Benjamin Oyime, 48, an Edo State indigene and nephrologist who serves as a consultant at Wellington Hospital, Life Camp, Abuja; Dr Daniel Otukpa, 53, from Benue State, also a nephrologist and Acting Director of Clinical Services at the hospital; and David Idoko, 25.
Police said clothes allegedly purchased with proceeds from the suspected criminal activities were also recovered as exhibits.
During interrogation, Ode allegedly confessed to recruiting victims under false pretences.
The police said he disclosed that on April 24, 2026, he allegedly lured 22-year-old Samuel Ezekiel to Wellington Hospital in Life Camp, Abuja, where the victim’s kidney was allegedly removed. According to the statement, Ode claimed he received $1,250 for the procedure, equivalent to about N1.7 million at the exchange rate cited by the police.
Another alleged victim reportedly told investigators that he was similarly recruited by the same agent in 2022 and had his kidney removed at a hospital, for which he was allegedly paid N7 million.
Investigators said the syndicate and its alleged accomplices targeted vulnerable and poorly educated young people in Nasarawa State and neighbouring areas, taking advantage of their financial difficulties to obtain consent for illegal organ-removal procedures.
The police further alleged that members of the syndicate forged official documents, including victims’ names, National Identification Numbers, birth certificates, age declarations, affidavits and consent letters, to facilitate the alleged operations.
The Nigeria Police Force said investigations were continuing, with efforts underway to arrest other suspects believed to have fled.
The Force reaffirmed its commitment to dismantling networks involved in human trafficking and illegal organ harvesting and protecting vulnerable people from exploitation.
