ABUJA — The Nigeria Police Force has arrested and paraded four suspects allegedly linked to an organ harvesting and human trafficking syndicate operating in Nasarawa State.
The suspects were arrested by operatives of the Special Tactical Squad (STS) on August 19, 2026, following credible intelligence on the activities of the syndicate.
According to a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, on Friday, the operatives conducted a sting operation at about 6pm in Auta Balifi, Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
Clothes allegedly purchased with proceeds of the crime were recovered as exhibits during the operation.
The suspects were identified as Emmanuel Ode, 23, of Auta Balifi, Nasarawa State; Dr Benjamin Oyime, 48, an Edo State indigene and nephrologist at Wellington Hospital, Life Camp, Abuja; Dr Daniel Otukpa, 53, a Benue State indigene and nephrologist who serves as Acting Director of Clinical Services at the hospital; and David Idoko, 25.
The police said Ode confessed during interrogation to recruiting victims under false pretences.
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 police said Ode claimed that the victim was paid $1,250, equivalent to about N1.7 million.
Another alleged victim reportedly told investigators that he was lured by the same agent in 2022 to a hospital, where his kidney was allegedly harvested for N7 million.
The police said investigations revealed that the suspects and their alleged accomplices targeted vulnerable and uneducated young people in Nasarawa State and neighbouring areas, exploiting their financial difficulties to obtain consent for illegal organ harvesting.
Investigators also allegedly uncovered evidence that official documents were forged 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 apprehend other suspects believed to be connected to the syndicate.
It reaffirmed its commitment to dismantling human trafficking and organ harvesting networks across the country and protecting vulnerable Nigerians from exploitation.
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