The Nigeria Police Force has paraded four suspects, including two nephrologists, over their alleged involvement in an organ-harvesting syndicate operating in Nasarawa State.

The suspects were presented during a police briefing reported by Channels Television, where authorities alleged that the syndicate targeted vulnerable young men and lured them into donating their kidneys in exchange for financial compensation.

According to the police, some of the alleged victims were paid far below the purported value of the organs removed from them. One victim was reportedly paid $1,250, while another allegedly received ₦7 million following the removal of his kidney.

Investigators further alleged that the syndicate relied on forged documents to facilitate the procedures and conceal the identities of some donors. The documents reportedly included birth certificates, affidavits, consent letters and identification papers.

One of the alleged victims recounted his experience during the police briefing, explaining how he was reportedly deceived into undergoing a kidney donation procedure.

A representative of Wellington Clinic, where some of the procedures allegedly took place, also spoke during the briefing. The representative claimed that the hospital merely provided the platform for the surgeries and was unaware of the alleged criminal activities involving the alteration of donors’ identities.

The police said investigations are ongoing, with efforts being made to trace and apprehend other individuals allegedly connected to the syndicate.

Authorities said the investigation would also seek to establish the full scope of the alleged organ-trafficking operation and determine the roles played by each suspect.