By Lucy Tawo
Nasarawa, Nigeria — Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force Special Tactical Squad, STS, led by ACP Victor Ogbeide Godfrey, have busted an alleged illegal organ harvesting syndicate, arresting two medical consultants and two others during a sting operation in Nasarawa State.
Acting on credible intelligence, STS operatives moved in on 19th August, 2026 at about 18:00hrs in Auta Balifi, Karu Local Government Area, Nasarawa State. Clothes allegedly purchased with proceeds of the crime were recovered as exhibits during the operation.
Paraded suspects are: Emmanuel Ode, 23, of Auta Balifi, Nasarawa State; Dr. Benjamin Oyime, 48, of Edo State, a Nephrologist and Consultant to Wellington Hospital, Life Camp, Abuja; Dr. Daniel Otukpa, 53, of Benue State, also a Nephrologist and Acting Director of Clinical Services at Wellington Hospital; and David Idoko, 25.
Security sources said the ring allegedly targeted vulnerable and uneducated young persons within Nasarawa State and its environs, exploiting their financial desperation to obtain consent for illegal kidney harvesting.
During interrogation, Ode confessed to recruiting victims under false pretenses. He disclosed that on 24th April, 2026, he lured one Samuel Ezekiel, 22, to Wellington Hospital, Life Camp, Abuja, where his kidney was allegedly harvested for $1,250 USD — equivalent to ₦1,700,000.00 at the current exchange rate.
A second victim told investigators he was lured by the same agent in 2022 to a hospital where his kidney was allegedly harvested, for which he was paid ₦7,000,000.00.
Investigators said evidence gathered shows the suspects and their accomplices forged official documents to facilitate the crime. The forged documents include victims’ names; National Identification Numbers, NIN; birth certificates; age declarations; affidavits, and consent letters.
Wellington Hospital management is yet to issue an official statement on the allegations against its two consultants.
The Inspector-General of Police has directed that the case be transferred to the Force Criminal Investigation Department, FCID, for discreet and diligent investigation, with a view to charging the suspects to court.
The Police said the arrest underscores its commitment to dismantling criminal networks that exploit vulnerable Nigerians and to ensuring that medical practice is not used as a cover for illicit activities.
