The Nigeria Police Force has paraded four suspects, including two nephrologists, over their alleged involvement in a kidney-harvesting and organ-trafficking syndicate operating in Nasarawa State and neighbouring areas.
The suspects were arrested by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department Special Tactical Squad following a sting operation in Auta Balefi, Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, on August 19, 2026.
They were identified by the police as Emmanuel Odeh, Dr Benjamin Oyime, Dr Daniel Otokpa and David Idoko.
According to investigators, the alleged syndicate targeted vulnerable and financially disadvantaged young men, allegedly recruiting them under false pretences and connecting them with people seeking kidney donors.
Emmanuel Odeh, 25, was allegedly identified as a recruiter who connected prospective donors with people seeking kidneys.
Dr Benjamin Oyime, 40, and Dr Daniel Otokpa, 53, were identified as nephrologists allegedly linked to the investigation.
The fourth suspect, David Idoko, 25, was also arrested in connection with the alleged operation.
However, the suspects have not been convicted of any offence, and the allegations against them remain subject to investigation and possible prosecution.
Police said preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects and their alleged accomplices exploited the financial difficulties of vulnerable young men in Nasarawa and surrounding communities.
Investigators alleged that some victims were deceived into believing they were participating in legitimate kidney-donation procedures.
Police further alleged that documents were manipulated or forged to facilitate the procedures, including National Identification Numbers, birth certificates, age declarations, affidavits and consent letters.
According to the police, Odeh allegedly confessed during interrogation to recruiting victims under false pretences.
Investigators said he allegedly led a 22-year-old man identified as Samuel Ezekiel to a hospital on April 24, 2026, where the young man’s kidney was allegedly removed.
Police said Ezekiel was reportedly paid $1,250, equivalent to about ₦1.7 million at the time.
Another alleged victim, David Idoko, reportedly told investigators that he was recruited in 2022 and subsequently underwent a procedure in which his kidney was allegedly removed. He reportedly received ₦7 million.
The investigation has also drawn attention to Wellington Clinic in Abuja, where some of the alleged procedures reportedly took place.
One alleged victim claimed that he was taken to the facility after being told that his kidney matched that of a recipient. He reportedly said documents were signed before he was eventually paid in dollars.
However, a renal transplant consultant associated with the facility reportedly disputed the suggestion that the procedures were conducted without consent.
The consultant said donors were informed about the procedures and consented to the transplants, adding that the facility provides infrastructure for transplant teams.
The clinic’s reported position is important because a lawful kidney transplant involving informed consent is different from an illegal commercial organ-trafficking operation. Whether any criminal activity occurred at or through the facility is part of what investigators will have to establish.
The police said investigations are continuing to determine the full extent of the alleged network and identify other individuals who may have participated in the operation.
Authorities are also expected to establish how prospective donors were recruited, how their identities and documents were allegedly manipulated, and the roles played by medical personnel and other intermediaries.
The police have warned against the exploitation of vulnerable Nigerians for financial gain and said those found culpable would face prosecution.
