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.
Aggrieved father opens up
When contacted, the father of one of the teenagers who claimed to be a bishop, told Vanguard that his daughter’s illness became apparent when her younger siblings noticed she was frequently using the toilet with medical equipment and emerging with blood.
He said the primary suspect, the go-between, stayed with her mother-in-law in the church compound and attended church vigils.
The other teenager, simply identified as Favour, lived with the bishop and worked as his secretary, earning N20,000 a month as salary. His daughter, Precious, a hair stylist, also worked for the go-between, styling her hair for payment.
The bishop, disturbed by the situation, reported the case at Iyana-Ipaja police station, and it was later transferred to the State Criminal Investigations and Intelligence Bureau, SCIID, in Panti, Yaba, Lagos. However, the case took a turn when the bishop’s lawyer, Barrister Ikechukwu Chiaha, suspected compromise on the part of the investigators. The investigator allegedly demanded a bribe of N300,000, with N200,000 going to the police.
Consequently, the case was transferred to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP, which has launched a fresh investigation.
In response, the go-between or intermediary, claimed the two girls volunteered to donate their eggs after overhearing a phone conversation between her and the doctor, adding that they were paid N100,000, with Favour giving her N20,000 for the introduction.
State govt intervenes
In June 2023, the Lagos State government, through its Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, directed the state police command to investigate the case. Unfortunately, there was no result at the end.
The victim, Temitope, said she had planned for a better and pious life all along, but almost became a victim of something she thought was just a movie. Temitope, in her early 20s, recalled how she almost fell victim to egg donation without realizing the dangers.
She was introduced to a woman, named Madam Queen, who acted as an intermediary for a fertility centre.
She explained: “My friend told me to come online. We would usually discuss things there. She said she had something important to tell me. At the time, I wasn’t working and was preparing for our school convocation.
“She asked if I still needed money, and I said yes. Then she told me about egg donation. I had no idea what it was, and she said I could join a group that would pay me N150,000, N20,000 for transport, and N50,000 for the donation.
