The Nigeria Police Force has uncovered an alleged human trafficking and organ-harvesting syndicate operating in Nasarawa State, arresting four suspects, including two medical doctors.
Drivetvnews gathered that the suspects were apprehended by operatives of the Force Special Tactical Squad following an intelligence-led operation in Auta Balifi, Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, said the operation was conducted on August 19 after investigators received intelligence about the activities of the alleged syndicate.
Those arrested were Emmanuel Ode, 23; Dr Benjamin Oyime, 48, a nephrologist reportedly attached to Wellington Hospital in Abuja; Dr Daniel Otukpa, 53, also a nephrologist and Acting Director of Clinical Services at the hospital; and David Idoko, 25.
According to the police, preliminary investigations suggest that the group allegedly targeted vulnerable and financially desperate young people in Nasarawa and neighbouring communities.
Investigators alleged that victims were recruited through promises of financial rewards and taken to a hospital in Abuja, where their kidneys were allegedly removed under circumstances now being investigated.
Police said Ode allegedly confessed to recruiting victims. In one case under investigation, he allegedly recruited a 22-year-old man, Samuel Ezekiel, who was taken to Wellington Hospital on April 24, 2026, where his kidney was allegedly harvested.
The police said the victim was allegedly paid $1,250, estimated by the Force at about N1.7 million. Another alleged victim reportedly told investigators that he was recruited in 2022 and received N7 million after his kidney was allegedly harvested.
Investigators also uncovered an alleged document-forgery aspect of the operation. Police said documents including NINs, birth certificates, age declarations, affidavits and consent letters were allegedly forged to facilitate the medical procedures and give the appearance of lawful consent.
The police said the investigation is ongoing as officers work to determine the full extent of the alleged network and identify other individuals involved. Several other suspects linked to the syndicate are reportedly still at large.
The Force reaffirmed its commitment to tackling human trafficking, illegal organ harvesting and other forms of organised exploitation, while urging members of the public to be wary of suspicious offers involving medical procedures or financial payments for human organs.
