NIGERIA: Police Parade Four Suspects Over Alleged Organ Harvesting, Human Trafficking Syndicate In Nasarawa

By Onoja Baba

The Nigeria Police Force has paraded four suspects arrested over their alleged involvement in an organ harvesting and human trafficking syndicate operating in Nasarawa State and the Federal Capital Territory.

The suspects were paraded on Thursday, by operatives of the Special Tactical Squad (STS), following their arrest during a sting operation in Auta Balifi, Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

According to the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, the operation was conducted at about 6pm on August 19, 2026, after the police received credible intelligence on the activities of the suspected syndicate. Clothes allegedly purchased with proceeds from the criminal activities were also recovered as exhibits.

The suspects were identified as Emmanuel Ode, 23, of Auta Balifi, Nasarawa State; Dr Benjamin Oyime, 48, an Edo State indigene and nephrologist who is a kidney consultant and consultant to Wellington Hospital, Life Camp, Abuja; Dr Daniel Otukpa, 53, a nephrologist from Benue State and Acting Director of Clinical Services at Wellington Hospital; and David Idoko, 25.

During interrogation, the police said Ode confessed to recruiting victims under false pretences. He allegedly disclosed that on April 24, 2026, he lured a 22-year-old man identified as Samuel Ezekiel to Wellington Hospital, Life Camp, Abuja, where the victim’s kidney was allegedly harvested for $1,250, equivalent to about ₦1.7m at the prevailing exchange rate.

The police further said another 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 ₦7m.

Investigations, according to the Force, revealed that the syndicate allegedly targeted vulnerable and uneducated young people in Nasarawa State and neighbouring areas, exploiting their financial difficulties to obtain consent for illegal organ harvesting.

The police said evidence gathered during the investigation also indicated that the suspects allegedly forged official documents used in the operations, including victims’ names, National Identification Numbers, birth certificates, age declarations, affidavits and consent letters.

The Force said investigations were ongoing to uncover the full extent of the syndicate’s activities and identify other persons involved in the alleged crimes.

The police also said efforts were underway to apprehend other suspects who are currently at large, while reaffirming its commitment to dismantling human trafficking and organ harvesting networks across the country.