Kenneth NWOKO

Project at the MaCI

January 2025 – July 2025

This study investigates the underground economy of human body parts business in southwest Nigeria. It critically investigates the activities of the various players in the underground economy. It seeks to understand the workings of this underworld organized crime network of extraction, exploitation, and disposal and why it has survived despite crackdowns by Law enforcement agencies. Further, the study examines the structure of the demand and supply chains and how these are sustained. It interrogates the interconnectedness between this underground economy, the astronomical rise in crime, and the general insecurity in the country.

"I am pleased to join MaCi community in Grenoble. During my six months stay, I will focus on my research, making use of the rich resources at the Centre.  I will participate fully in all the activities, including making a seminar presentation and participating in other research activities, cultural visits and events as part of the fellowship Programme. I look forward to contributing to the high-level research, and enjoying close working relationships with other research fellows. I am motivated by the rich resources and international partnerships at MaCI which are necessary for my research project at GATES. I am equally excited and personally encouraged by the well-structured and ambitious plan for personal and professional development across a range of activities and for developing professional relationships within a global network of researchers which this fellowship offers. It is simply unrivalled. I look forward to contributing to the high-level research, and engaging with the other research fellows."