The Nasarawa State Police Command has arrested a 40-year-old man alleged to be a key player in an organ-harvesting syndicate, rescuing four purported victims in Lafia.
Commissioner of Police Shettima Muhammad, who briefed journalists on Tuesday, said the suspect, Maro Ebojoh from Etiope East Local Government Area of Delta State, was apprehended on Monday at the Alhaji Yahaya Sabo Motor Park, Bukan Sidi, after park officials raised an alarm over his suspicious activities.
Operatives from ‘B’ Division immediately responded and took Ebojoh into custody. Preliminary investigation, according to the CP, revealed that the suspect arrived in Lafia to recruit individuals for an immediate kidney transplant, allegedly promising each victim a payment of N2 million.
The rescued victims were identified as Umar Barau (25), Suleiman Alhaji-Garba (20), Williams Dadung (32), and Stanley Ezekiel (27).
Muhammad disclosed that the suspect had already taken the victims for medical evaluation, and one who passed the screening was transported to Abuja for the planned transplant. However, the procedure was halted after doctors raised concerns over the victim’s blood pressure.
“Operatives of the command swiftly moved to Abuja and rescued the victim unhurt from a hotel where he was being lodged,” the CP said.
Ebojoh, he added, confessed to the crime and admitted he was contracted for N6.5 million, out of which he had received N500,000. He also reportedly confessed to securing another organ donor for a separate client two months earlier, earning N1 million, while the donor was paid N2.5 million.
The police say investigations are ongoing to track and arrest other fleeing members of the organ-harvesting network.
In a separate development, the CP also announced the arrest of nine suspects linked to multiple armed robbery incidents and the killing of a police officer’s son in Karu Local Government Area.
Operatives from Mararaba ‘A’ Division stormed a criminal hideout on November 4 at Musbawu Street, Mararaba, where the suspects aged between 18 and 29 were apprehended.
According to Muhammad, the gang had been terrorising Mararaba and neighbouring communities, stealing mobile phones, transferring funds from victims’ bank accounts, and selling off stolen devices.
They also confessed to attacking and killing the son of a serving police officer during a robbery in Uke on May 20.
The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Lafia, for further action, and the suspects will be charged upon completion of investigations.
The CP urged residents to remain alert, particularly against individuals posing as organ-donation agents, adding, “Say something when you see something.”