By Jelili Gbadamosi
The Nigeria Police Force has arrested four suspects over an alleged human trafficking and illegal organ harvesting network operating in Nasarawa State, with investigators uncovering purportedly falsified documents allegedly used to facilitate the activities.
The suspects were arrested by operatives of the Special Tactical Squad (STS) on August 19, 2026, following intelligence on the alleged activities of the syndicate.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, said the arrests followed a sting operation conducted at about 6 p.m. in Auta Balifi, Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
The suspects were identified as Emmanuel Ode, 23; Dr Benjamin Oyime, 48, a nephrologist at Wellington Hospital, Life Camp, 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, Ode allegedly admitted recruiting victims through false representations and taking them to medical facilities where their kidneys were allegedly removed.
Investigators alleged that one of the victims, a 22-year-old man identified as Samuel Ezekiel, was taken to Wellington Hospital on April 24, 2026, where one of his kidneys was allegedly removed.
The police said Ezekiel was reportedly paid $1,250, estimated at about N1.7 million, for the procedure.
Another alleged victim reportedly told investigators that he was recruited by the same agent in 2022 and taken to a hospital, where one of his kidneys was allegedly removed after he was paid N7 million.
The Force said preliminary investigations indicated that the alleged syndicate targeted economically disadvantaged and vulnerable young people in Nasarawa State and neighbouring communities.
According to the police, the suspects allegedly exploited the victims’ financial difficulties to obtain their consent for the illegal removal of their organs.
Investigators also uncovered the alleged falsification of official documents purportedly used to facilitate the operations. The documents reportedly included victims’ names, National Identification Numbers, birth certificates, age declarations, affidavits and consent letters.
During the operation, police also recovered clothes allegedly purchased with proceeds from the suspected criminal activities.
The Force said investigations were ongoing to determine the full extent of the alleged network and track down other suspects believed to be involved.
The police assured the public that they remained committed to disrupting human trafficking and illegal organ harvesting networks and protecting vulnerable Nigerians from exploitation.
