In Nigeria, an unacknowledged crisis is escalating, as young persons, especially girls, are being lured into a dangerous underground organ trade.
Snared by promises of money or medical treatment, these teenagers unknowingly have their ovaries harvested and sold.
Often from poor backgrounds, they are targeted by criminals posing as doctors or trusted figures who offer false hope, promising a better life but behind these lies is a horrific market exploiting their fertility. This illegal practice thrives in the shadows of Nigeria’s healthcare system, and although many are unaware, doctors and human rights activists are speaking out.
The trade, which preys on vulnerable girls, is now under scrutiny as more people demand action against the abuse and trafficking of human organs. The exploitation of minors for reproductive materials is a chilling violation of rights that urgently needs attention.
Organ harvesting spree
Organ harvesting involves illegally removing body parts, often for commercial gain, without the victim’s express consent. Under modern slavery laws, a victim cannot consent to exploitation. A recent case highlights this disturbing practice.
In 2022, two teenagers had their ovaries harvested without consent by a doctor at a private hospital (names withheld) in Abeokuta, Ogun State. A lady acted as the intermediary between the doctor and the girls. The case was reported but soon ignored. It was transferred from a police station in Lagos to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, SCIID, in Yaba, where it was abandoned after the investigating officer was transferred.
The teenagers, allegedly convinced by an adult church member, went to the hospital where their organs were harvested and later sold for N100,000 each.
The situation came to light when one of the girls fell ill. Her father, thinking it was malaria, took her to a hospital. Tests revealed severe damage to her private parts and anus. She later disclosed that a female church member trafficked them to Ogun State where their organs were sold.
The girls claimed they were promised money and threatened with death if they told anyone. They were injected with drugs in the said hospital in Abeokuta and forced to undergo a procedure, resulting in severe pain and bleeding. Further medical tests in Lagos revealed extensive damage to their organs, including their liver, uterus, kidneys, and bladder.