The Nigeria Police Force has arrested four suspects allegedly linked to an organ harvesting and human trafficking syndicate operating in Nasarawa State.
According to the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, operatives of the Special Tactical Squad (STS) carried out a sting operation on August 19, 2026, at Auta Balifi, Karu Local Government Area of the state, following credible intelligence, leading to the arrest of the four suspects.
Iniedu, in a statement issued on Friday, said the suspects were identified as Emmanuel Ode, 23; 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 David Idoko, 25.
The police spokesman said preliminary investigation indicated that the suspects allegedly targeted vulnerable and uneducated young people in Nasarawa State and neighbouring areas, exploiting their financial difficulties to obtain their consent for illegal organ harvesting.
He said Ode allegedly confessed to recruiting victims under false pretences, adding that the suspect disclosed that he lured 22-year-old Samuel Ezekiel to Wellington Hospital, Life Camp, Abuja, on April 24, 2026, where his kidney was allegedly harvested for $1,250, equivalent to about N1.7 million.
“During interrogation, Emmanuel Ode confessed to recruiting victims under false pretences,” Iniedu said, adding that another victim alleged that he was similarly lured by the suspect in 2022 and taken to a hospital where his kidney was allegedly harvested for N7 million.
According to the police, investigations further revealed that the syndicate allegedly forged official documents, including victims’ names, National Identification Numbers, birth certificates, age declarations, affidavits and consent letters, to facilitate the alleged criminal activities.
Iniedu said clothes allegedly purchased with proceeds of the crime were recovered as exhibits during the operation, while investigations were continuing to establish the full extent of the syndicate’s activities.
“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.
The Force said efforts were also ongoing to apprehend other suspects believed to be connected with the syndicate, as investigations continue.
