The Nigeria Police Force has paraded four suspects, including two nephrologists, in connection with an alleged organ-harvesting syndicate operating in Nasarawa State.
According to a police briefing reported by Channels Television, the suspects allegedly targeted vulnerable young men and lured them into donating their kidneys, allegedly paying them significantly less than the estimated value of the organs.
Police said one victim was reportedly paid about $1,250, while another allegedly received N7 million after his kidney was removed.
Investigators further alleged that the syndicate used forged documents, including birth certificates, affidavits, consent letters and identification papers, to facilitate the procedures and conceal the identities of some of the victims.
During the briefing, one alleged victim recounted how he was deceived into donating his kidney.
A representative of Wellington Clinic, where some of the procedures allegedly took place, also spoke to journalists. The representative claimed that the hospital merely provided a platform for the surgeries and was unaware of the alleged illegal activities involving the alteration of donors’ identities.
The police said investigations are ongoing, with efforts underway to identify and arrest other suspected members of the alleged syndicate.
