The Nigeria Police Force has paraded four suspects allegedly linked to an organ harvesting and human trafficking syndicate operating in Nasarawa State.
The suspects, including two medical doctors, were arrested by operatives of the Special Tactical Squad (STS) during a sting operation in Auta Balifi, Karu Local Government Area of the state, on August 19, 2026.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, identified the suspects as Emmanuel Ode, 23; Dr Benjamin Oyime, 48; Dr. Daniel Otukpa, 53; and David Idoko, 25.
Oyime was described by the police as a nephrologist and consultant to Wellington Hospital, Life Camp, Abuja, while Otukpa is also a nephrologist and the hospital's Acting Director of Clinical Services.
According to the police, the operation followed credible intelligence on the activities of the suspected syndicate.
During interrogation, Ode allegedly confessed to recruiting victims under false pretenses for the group.
Police alleged that on April 24, 2026, Ode lured a 22-year-old man identified as Samuel Ezekiel to Wellington Hospital in Life Camp, Abuja, where the man's kidney was allegedly harvested.
The police further alleged that Ezekiel was paid $1,250, which was approximately N1.7 million at the prevailing exchange rate, for the kidney.
The Force said another victim also told investigators that he was allegedly lured in 2022 and subsequently had his kidney harvested after receiving N7 million.
Preliminary investigations, according to the police, indicate that the suspected syndicate allegedly targeted vulnerable young people in Nasarawa and neighboring areas, exploiting their financial difficulties.
The police also alleged that documents, including identification and consent documents, were forged or manipulated to facilitate the alleged activities.
Clothes reportedly purchased with proceeds from the suspected criminal activities were also recovered during the operation, according to the police.
The police said investigations are ongoing to establish the full extent of the alleged operation and identify other individuals who may be connected to the syndicate.
The four suspects remain allegations at this stage and are presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of law.