RismadarVoice Reporters
August 28, 2026
The Nigeria Police Force has arrested four suspects over an alleged organ harvesting and human trafficking syndicate operating in Nasarawa State.
The suspects were arrested by operatives of the Special Tactical Squad following credible intelligence and a sting operation conducted on August 19, 2026, at Auta Balifi in Karu Local Government Area of the state.
They were paraded by the police on Thursday, August 27.
The suspects were identified as 23-year-old Emmanuel Ode; Dr Benjamin Oyime, 48, a nephrologist and consultant to Wellington Hospital, Life Camp, Abuja; Dr Daniel Otukpa, 53, also a nephrologist and Acting Director of Clinical Services at the hospital; and 25-year-old David Idoko.
According to the police, Ode confessed during interrogation to recruiting victims under false pretences.
The police said he disclosed that on April 24, 2026, he allegedly lured a 22-year-old victim, Samuel Ezekiel, to Wellington Hospital, where his kidney was allegedly harvested for 1,250 dollars, equivalent to about 1.7 million naira.
The police also said another victim alleged that he was lured by the same suspect in 2022 to a hospital, where his kidney was allegedly harvested for seven million naira.
Investigations, according to the Force, showed that the syndicate allegedly targeted vulnerable and uneducated young people in Nasarawa State and neighbouring areas, exploiting their financial difficulties to facilitate illegal organ harvesting.
Police said the suspects allegedly forged documents, including names, National Identification Numbers, birth certificates, age declarations, affidavits and consent letters, to facilitate the alleged criminal activities.
Clothes allegedly purchased with proceeds of the crime were also recovered as exhibits.
The police said efforts were ongoing to arrest other suspects believed to be connected to the syndicate.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, said the Nigeria Police Force remained committed to dismantling human trafficking and organ harvesting networks and protecting vulnerable citizens from exploitation.
