A Friend, a Hospital Trip and a Missing Kidney: Victim Tells His Story

A 22-year-old Nigerian, Samuel Ezekiel, has recounted how he was allegedly deceived by his friend, Emmanuel Odeh, into undergoing a kidney removal procedure in Abuja.

Ezekiel made the disclosure on Friday while speaking to journalists during the Nigeria Police Force parade of suspects linked to an alleged organ-harvesting syndicate operating in Abuja and Nasarawa State.

According to reports from the police investigation, Odeh allegedly recruited Ezekiel and took him to a hospital, where his kidney was removed on April 24, 2026. Investigators said Ezekiel was allegedly paid $1,250, equivalent to about ₦1.7 million, for the procedure.

Recounting his experience, Ezekiel alleged that Odeh initially told him they were going to the hospital and that he trusted his friend enough to follow his instructions.

He further alleged that his identity was changed to “Hassan Abubakar” during the process before the kidney removal was carried out at Wellington Hospital in Life Camp, Abuja.

Ezekiel said that after receiving the payment in dollars, he handed the money to Odeh, whom he trusted to keep it for him.

He alleged that Odeh subsequently changed the money and spent part of it on mobile phones, power banks and Wi-Fi devices instead of giving him the full amount.

The police investigation reportedly identified Odeh as one of the alleged recruiters in the syndicate. Authorities also alleged that forged documents, including victims’ names, National Identification Numbers, birth certificates, affidavits and consent letters, were used to facilitate some of the alleged procedures.

Ezekiel’s account forms part of the wider investigation into alleged illegal organ harvesting and recruitment of kidney donors in Abuja and Nasarawa State.

The allegations remain subject to investigation and possible prosecution, and the suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court.

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