Picture: Barr Ifeanyi Ejiofor
By Titus Eleweke
Renowned human rights lawyer and lead counsel to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has condemned the alleged illegal harvesting of kidneys from vulnerable young Nigerians, calling for an independent investigation and prosecution of anyone found culpable.
Ejiofor, in his latest “Monday Musings” titled “When Healers Become Harvesters: The Shameful Commerce in Organ Harvesting and the Betrayal of Medical Ethics,” described the allegations as a disturbing assault on human dignity and the sanctity of life.
He was reacting to revelations from investigations by the Nigeria Police Force, particularly the IGP Special Tactical Squad, into an alleged organ-harvesting syndicate.
The lawyer noted that four suspects were reportedly arrested in Nasarawa State on August 19, 2026, including two nephrologists linked to Wellington Hospital, Life Camp, Abuja, where a victim’s kidney was allegedly harvested, and an alleged recruiter.
According to Ejiofor, police investigations reportedly indicated that vulnerable young people were recruited for kidney harvesting, with some allegedly paid as little as $1,250.
He said the alleged syndicate went further by manipulating or forging documents, including National Identification Numbers, birth certificates, affidavits and consent letters, apparently to conceal victims’ identities and give the operation an appearance of legality.
Ejiofor said the alleged involvement of medical practitioners was particularly troubling because doctors are entrusted with preserving life and protecting vulnerable patients.
He argued that consent obtained through poverty, deception, ignorance or manipulation cannot be regarded as genuine informed consent.
“This matter therefore demands more than arrests and media parades. It requires a thorough, independent and uncompromising investigation,” Ejiofor said.
He called for every person, medical facility, intermediary, document trail and financial transaction connected to the alleged network to be investigated.
The lawyer also urged authorities to identify and protect victims while providing them with appropriate medical, psychological and legal support.
Ejiofor warned that economic hardship must never be exploited as a weapon against vulnerable Nigerians.
“Poverty must never become a hunting licence for predators, and desperation must never be mistaken for informed consent,” he said.
He further urged the relevant regulatory and judicial authorities to ensure that any medical professional found guilty of abusing public trust faces appropriate sanctions.
Tags:
Ifeanyi Ejiofor, Kidney Harvesting, Nigeria Police, Organ Trafficking
