The Nigeria Police Force has paraded four suspects arrested in connection with an alleged organ harvesting and human trafficking syndicate operating in Nasarawa State.
The suspects were paraded on Thursday, August 27, 2026, by operatives of the Force Special Tactical Squad (STS), following what police described as credible intelligence and a sting operation.
According to a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, the operation was carried out on August 19, 2026, at about 6pm in Auta Balifi, Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
The operation led to the arrest of the four suspects, while clothes allegedly purchased with proceeds of the crime were recovered as exhibits.
Those arrested were identified as 23-year-old Emmanuel Ode of Auta Balifi, Nasarawa State; Dr Benjamin Oyime, 48, a nephrologist and kidney consultant from Edo State, who is also a consultant to Wellington Hospital, Life Camp, Abuja; Dr Daniel Otukpa, 53, from Benue State, also a nephrologist and the Acting Director of Clinical Services at Wellington Hospital; and 25-year-old David Idoko.
Police said investigations were ongoing into the alleged activities of the suspects and other syndicate members.
According to the statement, Ode allegedly confessed during interrogation to recruiting victims under false pretences.
The police said 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.
Police alleged that the victim was paid $1,250, equivalent to about ₦1.7 million at the prevailing exchange rate.
The statement further said a second alleged victim told investigators that he was lured by the same agent in 2022 to a hospital where his kidney was allegedly harvested after he was paid ₦7 million.
“Investigations revealed that the suspects and their accomplices allegedly targeted vulnerable and uneducated young persons within Nasarawa State and its environs, exploiting their financial desperation to obtain consent for illegal organ harvesting,” the police said.
The Force added that evidence gathered during the investigation indicated that official documents, including victims’ names, National Identification Numbers, birth certificates, age declarations, affidavits and consent letters, were allegedly forged to facilitate the activities of the syndicate.
The police said efforts were continuing to track down other suspects believed to have fled following the operation.
“The Nigeria Police Force reaffirms its unwavering commitment to dismantling human trafficking and organ harvesting networks across the country and protecting vulnerable citizens from exploitation,” the statement said.
CSP Ani Iniedu said the Force would continue investigations and efforts to apprehend other fleeing suspects connected to the alleged syndicate.
