Police parade doctors, others over alleged kidney harvesting ring in Nasarawa

The Nigeria Police Force has paraded four individuals, including two nephrologists, for their alleged involvement in an organ harvesting and human trafficking syndicate operating in Nasarawa State. The suspects, identified as Emmanuel Ode, 23; Dr. Benjamin Oyime, 48; Dr. Daniel Otukpa, 53; and David Idoko, 25, were apprehended during a sting operation on August 19, 2026.

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He (Ode) disclosed that on 24th April 2026, he lured one Samuel Ezekiel, 22, to Wellington Hospital, Life Camp, Abuja, where his kidney was allegedly harvested for the sum of $1,250 USD (One Thousand Two Hundred and Fifty US Dollars), equivalent to ₦1,700,000.00 (One Million Seven Hundred Thousand Naira) at the current exchange rate.

According to CSP Ani Iniedu, the Force Public Relations Officer, Ode confessed to recruiting victims under false pretenses. He allegedly lured one Samuel Ezekiel, 22, to Wellington Hospital in Abuja on April 24, 2026, where his kidney was harvested for $1,250 USD (approximately ₦1,700,000). A second victim claimed to have been similarly lured in 2022 and paid ₦7,000,000 for a harvested kidney.

Investigations suggest the suspects targeted vulnerable and uneducated young people in Nasarawa State and surrounding areas, exploiting their financial difficulties to obtain consent for illegal organ harvesting. The police stated that evidence indicates the suspects forged official documents, including victims' names, National Identification Numbers (NIN), birth certificates, and consent letters, to facilitate their criminal activities.

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A second victim alleged that he was lured by the same agent in 2022 to a hospital where his kidney was harvested, for which he was paid the sum of ₦7,000,000.00 (Seven Million Naira).

Clothes allegedly purchased with the proceeds of the crime were recovered as exhibits. The police are continuing their investigation to identify and apprehend other individuals connected to the syndicate. The Force reiterated its commitment to dismantling human trafficking and organ harvesting networks across the country and protecting citizens from exploitation.

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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.

This development follows recent allegations of kidney trafficking brought to public attention by social media activist Martins Otse, known as VeryDarkMan. He had highlighted cases where young men reported missing a kidney after being paid, with alleged attempts to alter their identities through affidavits.

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Evidence gathered indicates that the suspects forged official documents, including victims’ names, National Identification Numbers (NIN), birth certificates, age declarations, affidavits, and consent letters to facilitate these criminal activities.