LIFESTYLE Culture

Police Parade Suspects Linked to Nasarawa Organ Harvesting Syndicate

by admin on | 2026-08-29 17:23:23

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By Muhammad Bala Imam, Abuja

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 Force’s Special Tactical Squad (STS) during a sting operation at Auta Balifi, Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, on August 19, 2026.

The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday, August 28.

According to the police, the operation was conducted following credible intelligence and led to the arrest of the suspects. Clothes allegedly purchased with proceeds of the crime were also recovered as exhibits.

Those paraded were 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 said Ode confessed during interrogation to recruiting victims under false pretences.

According to the statement, Ode alleged that on April 24, 2026, he lured a 22-year-old man, identified as Samuel Ezekiel, to Wellington Hospital, where the victim’s kidney was allegedly harvested for $1,250, said to be equivalent to about N1.7 million.

The police also said a second victim alleged that Ode lured him to a hospital in 2022, where his kidney was allegedly harvested and he was paid N7 million.

Investigators, according to the police, found that the suspects and their alleged accomplices targeted vulnerable and uneducated young people in Nasarawa State and neighbouring areas.

The statement said the victims were allegedly exploited because of financial hardship, with the suspects purportedly obtaining their consent for illegal organ harvesting.

The police further alleged that official documents, including victims’ names, National Identification Numbers, birth certificates, age declarations, affidavits and consent letters, were forged to facilitate the activities.

The Force said investigations were continuing, with efforts underway to arrest other suspects allegedly connected to the syndicate.

It reaffirmed its commitment to dismantling human trafficking and organ harvesting networks and protecting vulnerable Nigerians from exploitation.