Police Arrest Two Doctors, Two Others Over Alleged Kidney-Harvesting Syndicate
The Nigeria Police Force has paraded two Medical Doctors and two other suspects over their alleged involvement in an organ-harvesting and human-trafficking syndicate reportedly operating in Nasarawa State and parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
Global Mirror News gathered that the four suspects were arrested by operatives of the Nigeria Police Special Tactical Squad (STS) during a sting operation conducted on August 19, 2026, at Auta Balifi in the Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
The suspects were identified as 23-year-old Emmanuel Ode; 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; and 25-year-old David Idoko.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, disclosed the arrests in a statement issued on Friday, August 28, 2026.
According to the Police, preliminary investigations uncovered an alleged network that targeted vulnerable and financially disadvantaged young people, particularly those described as uneducated, in Nasarawa State and neighbouring Communities.
The Police alleged that members of the syndicate recruited victims under false pretences or exploited their financial difficulties to obtain what investigators described as consent for illegal organ harvesting.
How the alleged syndicate operated
According to the Police, Emmanuel Ode allegedly admitted during interrogation that he acted as a recruiter and facilitated the movement of victims to hospitals where their kidneys were allegedly removed.
The Police alleged that one of the victims, identified as 22-year-old Samuel Ezekiel, was recruited and taken to Wellington Hospital in Life Camp, Abuja, on April 24, 2026.
Investigators alleged that Ezekiel’s kidney was removed after he was taken through a process involving medical tests and documentation.
The Police said Ode allegedly disclosed that Ezekiel was paid $1,250, which the Police statement put at approximately N1.7 million based on the exchange rate cited at the time.
The Force further said another alleged victim told investigators that Ode had recruited him in 2022 and taken him to a hospital where his kidney was allegedly harvested, after which he was paid N7 million.
The Police did not provide the identity of the second alleged victim.
Victim recounts alleged deception
In a separate account emerging from the Police parade, Samuel Ezekiel reportedly told journalists that he was deceived by his friend, Emmanuel Ode.
Ezekiel alleged that Ode initially told him they were going to a hospital but did not fully disclose what would happen to him.
He reportedly said he trusted Ode because of their friendship and followed his instructions.
According to Ezekiel, Ode later connected him with another person identified as David, who took him to an agent known as Ben for medical examinations.
Ezekiel reportedly said his first test did not match the intended recipient, but he was later informed that another recipient had been found whose medical requirements matched his.
He alleged that he was subsequently told that his identity would be changed to “Hassan Abubakar”.
The alleged victim said he and others were taken to the Federal High Court, where an affidavit was prepared before they proceeded to Wellington Hospital.
He reportedly said documents were signed at the hospital before he was taken into the theatre.
Ezekiel further alleged that the money for the kidney was brought to them late at night, around 10pm or 11pm, shortly before he entered the theatre.
According to his account, he handed the dollars to Ode for safekeeping.
Ezekiel alleged that after he came out of the theatre, Ode had already changed the money and spent part of it on electronic gadgets.
He reportedly said Ode bought two mobile phones, two power banks and two Wi-Fi devices, giving him one of each while keeping the others.
The victim further alleged that Ode later told him they did not have enough money for transportation back to Abuja, after which Ode collected and sold his phone to raise transport money.
Ezekiel reportedly said he had been told that his kidney would be removed but claimed that Ode reassured him that the procedure would not cause serious problems.
Police allege document forgery
The Nigeria Police Force also alleged that members of the syndicate forged official documents as part of the process used to facilitate the alleged organ harvesting activities.
According to the Force, investigators uncovered alleged falsification involving victims’ names, National Identification Numbers, birth certificates, age declarations, affidavits and consent letters.
The Police said the alleged documents were used to facilitate the medical procedures and conceal or alter the identities of victims.
The alleged identity change involving Ezekiel has therefore become a significant aspect of the ongoing investigation.
The Police said clothing items allegedly purchased with proceeds from the suspected criminal activities were also recovered during the operation and retained as exhibits.
Police search for other suspects
The Force said investigations are still ongoing, with efforts being intensified to identify and apprehend other persons allegedly connected to the syndicate.
The Police said the arrests formed part of its broader efforts to dismantle networks involved in human trafficking and illegal organ harvesting across Nigeria.
The Force also reaffirmed its commitment to protecting vulnerable Nigerians from exploitation and bringing persons allegedly involved in trafficking and illegal organ-related activities to justice.
Allegations draw attention to organ trafficking
The case has generated renewed public concern over the exploitation of economically vulnerable Nigerians and the illegal trade in human organs.
The allegations also highlight concerns about the potential abuse of medical facilities, legal documentation and other formal processes to disguise illegal activities.
The involvement of two Doctors, who the police identified as nephrologists attached to Wellington Hospital, has further intensified public attention on the case because of the professional and ethical responsibilities associated with medical practice.
However, the Police allegations remain subject to investigation and judicial determination. The arrest and parade of the suspects do not in themselves establish guilt, and the accused persons are entitled to due process and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty by a competent court.
Global Mirror News gathered that the Police are expected to continue investigating the alleged financial transactions, recruitment network, medical procedures, documentation and other persons who may have participated in the suspected operation.
Authorities are also expected to establish the full circumstances surrounding the alleged kidney removals, including the role of each suspect and whether the alleged victims gave genuine and legally valid consent.
Members of the public have been urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities involving human trafficking, illegal medical procedures, exploitation of vulnerable persons or suspected organ trafficking to security authorities.
