Egypt: Four months after death, Ibrahim Shika's family alleges organ theft

Ibrahim Shika , the former Zamalek youth star who died in April 2025 after a prolonged battle with rectal cancer , is at the center of a growing controversy involving allegations of organ theft. Four months after his passing, his family has filed an official complaint citing possible criminal activity, as authorities investigate claims surrounding the true circumstances of his death.

Remembering Ibrahim Shika: A life cut short
Ibrahim Shika, aged 28 at the time of his death in April 2025, was a promising footballer who rose through the ranks of Zamalek SC ’s youth academy and went on to captain the team. His life took a tragic turn when he was diagnosed with rectal cancer in 2023. Over the course of two years, his health visibly declined—marked by drastic weight loss, altered facial features, and eventually, reliance on a wheelchair.

His wife, Heba El-Turki , had frequently shared updates about his condition on her personal social media accounts, portraying the couple’s struggle with the illness. In one of his last social media posts, Shika shared a photo with Heba, writing,

"Life has taken and brought people, but you have remained constant since the beginning."

Shika passed away after undergoing intensive hospital treatment. According to the official death certificate obtained by the family’s lawyers, the cause of death was “pulmonary embolism not accompanied by acute cor pulmonale”—a fatal blood clot that obstructed blood flow in the lungs.

Organ theft allegations surface
Despite the medical explanation for Shika’s death, disturbing allegations emerged online suggesting that certain organs—specifically his kidneys and a portion of his liver—had been removed post-mortem for the purpose of human organ trafficking .

The speculation gained momentum across social media platforms, causing widespread uproar in both sports and public circles. In response to these rumors, Shika’s family took formal action. Their lawyer filed an urgent complaint (case no. 5139 of 2025) with the Public Prosecutor , alleging criminal activity involving organ theft and medical negligence, and directly implicating his widow, Heba El-Turki.

The complaint was referred by the investigative authorities to the Tonfa Appeals Prosecution to initiate an official inquiry. As part of the early investigative steps, Shika’s lawyer, his mother, and his brother Khaled appeared before the authorities to begin gathering evidence and witness accounts.

Conflicting narratives and legal developments
As the case unfolds, various statements from close associates of Shika present a mixed picture. One of Shika’s close friends, Islam Reda, pushed back strongly against the organ theft allegations, labeling them “malicious rumors.” Reda confirmed that Shika had been undergoing treatment for rectal cancer for around two years, a fact well-documented in his medical records.

On the other hand, the family maintains that inconsistencies around the cause of death, along with reports about missing organs, justify a thorough investigation. Their lawyer emphasized that all claims must be verified by gathering conclusive evidence and confronting all parties involved—first and foremost, Shika’s widow.

Widow responds amid ongoing investigation
Heba El-Turki, through her legal representation, has categorically denied all allegations. She described the claims as “fabricated” and an attempt to defame both her and her late husband. Nonetheless, the Public Prosecution has not ruled out further investigative steps, including the possibility of conducting an autopsy to ascertain whether organs were indeed removed after death.

As of now, the case remains under active review. With the legal process unfolding and public attention growing, the full truth behind the death of Ibrahim Shika is yet to be determined.