Surgeon: Celebrate Kidney Donors, Doctors, Don’t Victimise Them
A Consultant Plastic Surgeon, Dr Torngee Malu, has called for kidney donors and doctors involved in transplant procedures to be protected and recognised rather than victimised. Speaking on Channels Television’s Morning Brief on Tuesday, Malu was reacting to the arrest and parade of two doctors and other suspects by the Nigeria Police Force over an alleged organ-harvesting syndicate in Nasarawa State. He argued that organ donation should be encouraged through a properly regulated system, noting that Nigeria’s challenges with blood donation also demonstrate the importance of encouraging voluntary donations. Malu said the Nigerian Health Act 2014 permits organ donation under specific conditions, including that donors must be adults, provide informed consent and undergo procedures in standard hospitals. He maintained that the law covers not only kidney donation but other forms of organ and biological material donation. According to him, the individuals involved in the case under investigation were adults who allegedly consented to the procedures and, based on accounts he heard, signed consent documents and affidavits. He also argued that the procedures were performed in a standard hospital by qualified medical personnel.
Malu criticised what he described as “social media mob action,” saying allegations should be properly investigated before doctors are publicly accused. He noted that kidney disease remains a serious health challenge in Nigeria and urged authorities to distinguish legitimate medical procedures from illegal organ harvesting. The police had on August 19 arrested four suspects during a sting operation at Auta Balifi in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State. They were identified as Emmanuel Ode, 23; Dr Benjamin Oyime, 48, a nephrologist and consultant at Wellington Hospital, Life Camp, Abuja; Dr Daniel Otukpa, 53, also a nephrologist and Acting Director of Clinical Services at the hospital; and David Idoko, 25. Police alleged that Ode recruited victims under false pretences and that one victim was taken to Wellington Hospital in April 2026, where his kidney was allegedly removed after he was paid $1,250. Another alleged case was said to have occurred in 2022. The Force further alleged that vulnerable young people were targeted because of financial difficulties. According to the police, investigations are continuing to identify and arrest other suspects allegedly connected to the case.
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