A young man has told police that a friend deceived him into selling a kidney, after which part of the money was spent on phones.

The account emerged as the Nigeria Police Force paraded suspects over alleged kidney harvesting in Nasarawa and Abuja.

Operatives of the Force Intelligence Department said they arrested several people, including medical practitioners, following intelligence about an illegal organ network.

Police said one suspect, Emmanuel Odeh, allegedly recruited others after previously selling his own kidney. A victim identified as Samuel Ezekiel, 22, said Odeh was the friend who misled him. Officers alleged he was taken to a hospital in Life Camp, Abuja, and later given about $1,250.

The suspects remain in custody as investigations continue. The case has drawn public attention after social media reports of young people in parts of the FCT and Nasarawa being targeted. Police have treated the claims as allegations to be tested in court.

Organ trafficking is a serious crime. Authorities urged anyone with information to report to the police rather than deal with informal recruiters.