Police Parade Four Suspects Over Alleged Organ Harvesting, Human Trafficking Syndicate in Nasarawa

The Nigeria Police Force has paraded four suspects allegedly linked to an organ harvesting and human trafficking syndicate operating in Nasarawa State.

The suspects were arrested by operatives of the Special Tactical Squad (STS) during a sting operation conducted on August 19, 2026, at Auta Balifi in Karu Local Government Area of the state.

The police said the operation followed credible intelligence on the activities of the suspected syndicate. Clothes allegedly purchased with proceeds from the criminal activities were recovered as exhibits.

Those arrested were identified as 23-year-old Emmanuel Ode of Auta Balifi, Nasarawa State; Dr. Benjamin Oyime, 48, a nephrologist and kidney consultant from Edo State; Dr. Daniel Otukpa, 53, also a nephrologist from Benue State; and 25-year-old David Idoko.

According to the police, Ode confessed during interrogation to recruiting victims under false pretences.

The police alleged that Ode, on April 24, 2026, lured a 22-year-old man identified as Samuel Ezekiel to Wellington Hospital in Life Camp, Abuja, where his kidney was allegedly harvested. He was reportedly paid $1,250, equivalent to about ₦1.7 million.

The police further said another victim claimed he was similarly lured by the suspect in 2022 to a hospital, where his kidney was allegedly harvested in exchange for ₦7 million.

Investigations, according to the Force, showed that the syndicate allegedly targeted vulnerable and poorly educated young people in Nasarawa State and neighbouring areas, exploiting their financial difficulties to secure consent for illegal organ harvesting.

The police also alleged that members of the syndicate forged documents, including victims’ names, National Identification Numbers, birth certificates, age declarations, affidavits and consent letters, to facilitate the alleged operations.

The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, said the Nigeria Police Force remained committed to dismantling networks involved in human trafficking and illegal organ harvesting across the country.

The police said efforts were ongoing to arrest other suspects allegedly connected to the syndicate who are currently at large.