Two nephrologists and two other suspects have been arrested over an alleged kidney harvesting and human trafficking operation targeting vulnerable youths in Nasarawa State.
The Special Tactical Squad (STS) of the Nigeria Police Force apprehended the four suspects during a sting operation at Auta Balifi, Karu Local Government Area, on August 19, 2026.
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.
Police said the operation followed credible intelligence on the activities of the alleged syndicate. Clothes reportedly purchased with proceeds from the operation were also recovered as exhibits.
During interrogation, Ode allegedly confessed to recruiting victims under false pretences. Police said he disclosed that he lured 22-year-old Samuel Ezekiel to Wellington Hospital, Life Camp, Abuja, on April 24, where the victim’s kidney was allegedly harvested for $1,250, equivalent to about N1.7 million at the exchange rate cited by the police.
Another victim reportedly told investigators that Ode lured him to a hospital in 2022, where his kidney was allegedly harvested after he was paid N7 million.
Investigators said the group allegedly focused on vulnerable and uneducated young people in Nasarawa and neighbouring areas, exploiting financial hardship to secure consent for the removal of their organs.
The probe also uncovered alleged falsification of documents used in the process, including victims’ names, National Identification Numbers, birth certificates, age declarations, affidavits and consent letters.
The police said investigations were continuing, with efforts underway to arrest other suspects believed to have fled after the operation.
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.