How I learnt of my son’s kidney removal — Mother

A 22-year-old man in Nigeria reportedly had his kidney removed without his family's knowledge after being tricked by a friend, according to a statement made by his mother. The incident occurred on April 24, 2026, at Wellington Hospital, Life Camp, in Abuja. The victim, identified as Samuel Ezekiel, claimed he was misled by his acquaintance, Emmanuel Ode, into believing they were going to the hospital for a different reason before being taken there for the procedure. Ezekiel described how Ode assured him that removing his kidney would not impact his health or daily life. He also alleged that his identity was altered to "Hassan Abubakar" during the process, and that an affidavit was filed at the Federal High Court prior to the surgery. According to the victim, he was paid in US dollars for the procedure and handed the money to Ode for safekeeping before entering the operating room. The mother of Samuel Ezekiel learned of the incident only after receiving a phone call from an unknown individual who informed her that her son had undergone the procedure. She was at her shop when the call came, and she initially sought clarification from another son, who denied knowing anything about the situation. It was only after speaking with her younger son that she discovered Ezekiel had been taken to the hospital by Ode. This prompted her to report the case to the police. The Nigeria Police Force later apprehended Ode along with two doctors and another suspect in connection with an alleged organ-harvesting and human-trafficking ring operating in Abuja and Nasarawa State. The suspects included Ode, 23 years old; Dr Benjamin Oyime, a 48-year-old nephrologist affiliated with Wellington Hospital; Dr Daniel Otukpa, a 53-year-old nephrologist serving as Acting Director of Clinical Services at the same hospital; and David Idoko, 25. They were arrested during a sting operation conducted by the Special Tactical Squad in Auta Balefi, Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, on August 19. CSP Ani Ininedu, the Force Public Relations Officer, stated that Ode admitted during interrogation to recruiting victims through deception. The police alleged that the group targeted financially struggling and poorly educated individuals, using their vulnerability to gain consent for illegal organ harvesting. Investigators also found evidence of forged documents, including victims' names, National Identification Numbers, birth certificates, age declarations, affidavits, and consent forms, which were used to facilitate the operations. Ezekiel claimed that after the procedure, Ode distributed some of the proceeds to purchase electronic items such as phones, power banks, and Wi-Fi devices, keeping some for himself. He stated that he did not return any money to his family following the operation. When asked if Ezekiel had returned any funds, the mother responded negatively, indicating that her son had not given her any money after the procedure. The case highlights ongoing concerns about illegal organ trafficking and exploitation in parts of Nigeria, particularly targeting young individuals. As the investigation continues, authorities are expected to pursue legal action against those implicated in the alleged syndicate. The victim's account underscores the need for greater awareness and stronger enforcement mechanisms to prevent such crimes.