“My Friend Deceived Me” — Kidney Removal Victim Recounts Alleged Exploitation

A young Nigerian, Samuel Ezekiel, has recounted how he allegedly became involved in a kidney-removal procedure after being persuaded by a friend he trusted. Speaking during a police parade of suspects connected to an alleged organ-harvesting network, Ezekiel said his friend, Emmanuel Odeh, initially told him they were going to the hospital for another purpose before events eventually led to the medical procedure.

According to Ezekiel, he was allegedly taken for medical tests and later informed that he matched a potential recipient. He also claimed that his identity was changed to “Hassan Abubakar” during the process and that legal documents were prepared before he was taken to Wellington Hospital in Abuja. The allegations are now part of an ongoing police investigation.

Ezekiel said money was paid in dollars before the procedure and that he handed the cash to his friend for safekeeping. He later alleged that his friend had exchanged part of the money and spent some of it on electronic devices, including phones, power banks and Wi-Fi devices.

The case has drawn wider attention after the Nigeria Police Force reportedly arrested and paraded several suspects, including two medical practitioners and other individuals accused of involvement in the alleged organ-harvesting and human-trafficking operation. Police said investigations were continuing to determine the full extent of the suspected network and identify everyone connected to the case.

The incident has renewed concerns about the exploitation of financially vulnerable people and the need for stronger safeguards in medical and transplant systems. The suspects remain accused, and their alleged involvement must be established through investigation and due legal process.