Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have arrested several suspects, including medical doctors, over alleged involvement in an organ harvesting syndicate that targeted young men and used facilities at Wellington Clinic in Abuja.
The Force Public Relations Officer disclosed details during a media parade of the suspects. The arrests followed a sting operation by the FID Special Tactical Squad on or around August 19, 2026, in Auta Balefi, Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State. Four suspects were initially taken into custody.
Those paraded include Emmanuel Odi (also referred to as Emmanuel Odey), 25, identified as a recruiter; Dr. Benjamin Oime, 40, a nephrologist from Edo State; Dr. Daniel Oba (or Otupa), 53, also a nephrologist; and David Idoko, 25. Exhibits recovered included clothes and personal designer items allegedly purchased with proceeds of the crime.
During interrogation, Emmanuel Odi allegedly confessed to recruiting victims under false pretenses. He stated that on April 24, 2026, he lured one Samuel Ezekiel to a location where the young man’s kidney was harvested for the sum of $1,250 (approximately ₦1.7 million at the time). A second victim, identified only as Davido, claimed he was similarly lured by the same agent in 2022, had his kidney removed at a hospital, and was paid ₦7 million.
One of the victims recounted being taken to Wellington Clinic in Abuja, where he signed documents at night and later received payment in dollars. A representative of Wellington Clinic, identifying himself as a consultant nephrologist, stated during related proceedings that the facility is a multi-specialty hospital offering services including renal transplants. He explained that external transplant teams sometimes use the hospital’s theatre, wards, and intensive care facilities, with the clinical management handled by the visiting team, which then pays the hospital for the services rendered. He indicated he was representing Dr. Charles Ugwuanyi (or Uguay), associated with the hospital.
Police said preliminary investigations show the syndicate targets vulnerable and uneducated young men in Nasarawa State and surrounding areas, exploiting their financial desperation to obtain consent for illegal organ removal. The suspects and their accomplices allegedly acted as intermediaries between donors and buyers.
The case forms part of broader concerns about illegal organ trade in the Abuja-Nasarawa axis. Authorities have linked the activities to human trafficking and criminal conspiracy. The suspects remain in custody as investigations continue, with police assuring the public that justice will be pursued.
Wellington Clinic has not issued an independent public statement beyond the representative’s comments in the available recordings. The Nigeria Police Force urged anyone with relevant information to report to the nearest station.
This is a developing story. Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses and formal charges are preferred.
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