Police Bust Alleged Kidney-Harvesting Syndicate, Arrest Two Doctors, Others in Nasarawa
The Nigeria Police Force has arrested four persons, including two medical doctors, over their alleged involvement in a human trafficking and organ-harvesting syndicate operating in Nasarawa State and surrounding areas.
The suspects were identified as Emmanuel Ode, 23; Dr Benjamin Oyime, 48; Dr Daniel Otukpa, 53; and David Idoko, 25. Police said they were arrested by operatives of the Force Special Tactical Squad during a sting operation at Auta Balifi in Karu Local Government Area on August 19, 2026.
According to the police, Dr Oyime is a nephrologist and consultant attached to Wellington Hospital, Life Camp, Abuja, while Dr Otukpa is also a nephrologist and Acting Director of Clinical Services at the same hospital. Their alleged roles form part of the ongoing police investigation, and the allegations have not been judicially established.
Preliminary investigations reportedly indicated that the suspected network targeted financially vulnerable and largely uneducated young Nigerians, allegedly persuading them to undergo medical procedures during which their kidneys were harvested.
Police alleged that Ode recruited victims for the syndicate. One case under investigation involves a 22-year-old man, Samuel Ezekiel, who was allegedly taken to Wellington Hospital in Abuja on April 24, 2026, where a kidney was harvested. Police said about $1,250, estimated at ₦1.7 million, was paid in connection with the organ.
Investigators also identified another alleged victim who claimed he was recruited in 2022, taken to a hospital and had a kidney removed in exchange for ₦7 million.
The investigation has further uncovered allegations of document forgery. Police said documents including names, National Identification Numbers, birth certificates, age declarations, affidavits and consent letters were allegedly falsified to facilitate some of the medical procedures and create an appearance of lawful consent.
The Force said investigations are continuing to determine the full extent of the alleged network, establish the circumstances surrounding the procedures and payments, and identify other persons who may have been involved. Other suspected members of the alleged syndicate are reportedly still at large.
The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its commitment to combating human trafficking, illegal organ harvesting and organised exploitation of vulnerable Nigerians
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