Imo hotel, mortuary shut in organ-harvest probe

Kindly share this story:

The Imo State Government on Saturday sealed a hotel and a private mortuary in Umuhu Autonomous Community, Ngor-Okpala, after officials discovered decomposed and mutilated corpses in unhygienic conditions, raising suspicions of illegal organ-harvesting activities.

The command added that the action formed part of an ongoing crackdown on kidnapping and violent crimes along the Owerri–Aba Expressway, led by the Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, in collaboration with other security stakeholders.

The development was disclosed in a statement dated Saturday and shared on X.com on Sunday by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Okoye Henry.

According to the PPRO, the operation was based on credible intelligence regarding a suspected criminal, Stanley Morocco Oparaugo, who remains at large.

During the operation, Henry said, “A hotel and a private mortuary owned by the suspect, allegedly used by kidnappers and violent criminals, were inspected.

“At the mortuary, decomposed and mutilated corpses were discovered in unhygienic conditions, raising suspicions of illegal organ-harvesting activities.

“Following these discoveries, both the hotel and mortuary were sealed on the directive of the State Government.

“The suspect’s residence was also searched, and crucial exhibits were recovered.”

The command added that the Commissioner of Police assured the public that all accomplices would be identified and brought to justice.

“Stanley Morocco Oparaugo has been declared wanted. Anyone with useful information should contact the nearest police station.

“Maximum security has been deployed along the Owerri–Aba Expressway,” the statement said.

The command assured travellers during the holidays of its commitment to their safety.

In a related development, PUNCH Online reported on Saturday that Nigerians had called on the Inspector-General of Police, the Police Service Commission, and human rights organisations to probe allegations of unlawful detentions, extrajudicial killings, and torture by the Imo State Police Command’s anti-kidnapping unit, popularly known as the Tiger Base Unit.

The calls followed demands for justice by the family of Levi Opara, a businessman who reportedly died under suspicious circumstances while in the custody of the unit.

Saturday PUNCH gathered that the 46-year-old father of five, from Emekuku in the Owerri North Local Government Area, was arrested on October 15, 2023, following a “domestic misunderstanding” with his wife.

The family alleged that despite their efforts to secure his release, he was found dead on October 18, 2023, with conflicting accounts of his final moments.

Uthman, a Mass Communication graduate from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, has over six years experience in journalism. He reports crime to community-related news for Metro, business with a focus on the capital market and the oil and gas.

Kindly share this story:

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.

Contact: [email protected]

UPDATE NEWS: Nigerians can now invest ₦2.5million on premium domains and profit about ₦17-₦25Million. All earnings paid in US Dollars. Rather than wonder, 👉 click here to find out how it work (Be sure to ask for evidence of clients that have benefitted from this)

Stay informed and ahead of the curve! Follow The Punch Newspaper on WhatsApp for real-time updates, breaking news, and exclusive content. Don't miss a headline – join now!

Stay in the know—fast. Get instant alerts, breaking headlines, and exclusive stories with the Punch News App. Download now and never miss a beat.