Two medical doctors and two other suspects have been arrested over an alleged organ-harvesting operation involving young people in Nasarawa State, according to the Nigeria Police Force.
The suspects were arrested by operatives of the Special Tactical Squad (STS) during a sting operation in Auta Balifi, Karu Local Government Area, Nasarawa State, on August 19, 2026.
The police said the operation followed intelligence gathered about the alleged syndicate.
Doctors Among Four Suspects
Force Public Relations Officer CSP Ani Iniedu identified the four suspects as:
- 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 Wellington Hospital.
- Emmanuel Ode, 23, of Auta Balifi, Nasarawa State.
- David Idoko, 25.
The police described the doctors as being connected to Wellington Hospital in Abuja.
The allegations have not been established in court, and the suspects remain entitled to the presumption of innocence.
Police Allege Victims Were Recruited Through Deception
According to Iniedu, Ode told investigators that he recruited victims using false promises.
Police allege that on April 24, 2026, Ode took a 22-year-old identified as Samuel Ezekiel to Wellington Hospital, where the victim’s kidney was allegedly removed.
Investigators said Ode reported that the victim received $1,250, which police valued at approximately ₦1.7 million, in connection with the alleged procedure.
Police also said a second alleged victim told investigators that Ode had recruited him in 2022 and that his kidney was subsequently removed at a hospital.
According to the police account, the second victim was allegedly paid ₦7 million.
Vulnerable Young People Allegedly Targeted
Police said their investigation indicates that the alleged network focused on vulnerable young people in Nasarawa State and surrounding areas.
Investigators believe financial hardship was allegedly exploited to obtain consent for organ removal.
The police also alleged that members of the group falsified documents used to facilitate the transactions.
Among the documents allegedly forged were:
- National Identification Numbers (NIN)
- Birth certificates
- Age declarations
- Affidavits
- Consent letters
- Other official records containing victims’ personal information
The allegations remain subject to investigation and possible prosecution.
Police Hunt Other Suspects
The Nigeria Police Force said investigations are continuing and that efforts are underway to locate other people allegedly connected to the suspected network.
Iniedu said the force remains committed to disrupting human trafficking and illegal organ-harvesting operations and protecting vulnerable people from exploitation.
The latest arrests are part of that wider investigation, with authorities expected to establish the roles of the individual suspects and determine whether further victims or accomplices are involved.
