Police seal mortuary, hotel over kidnapping, organ harvesting

Following the spate of kidnapping and other violent crimes along the Owerri-Aba Expressway, the Imo State government has sealed a mortuary and hotel in Umuhu, in the Ngor Okpala Local Government Area for alleged involvement.

This is even as the Imo State Police Command declared Stanley Morocco Oparaugo, proprietor of the morgue and hotel wanted for allegedly providing his private business locations as hideout for kidnappers and violent crimes.

Police spokesperson for Imo State Command, Henry Okoye made the disclosure in a statement.

Imo State Police Commissioner, Aboki Danjuma had on Saturday gone for inspection of the morgue and hotel in company of the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Chioma Egu; Chief Pathologist, Imo State Specialist Hospital, Dr. Ibeaja Okechukwu; members of the Ngor Okpala Vigilante Group led by Mr. Henry Ikpe; and the Chairman of Ngor Okpala LGA,  Mrs. Chika Ibekwe.

The morgue and hotel are situated in Umuhu autonomous community, after Ihitte junction the Ngor Okpala LGA.

Okoye said the corpses at the morgue were discovered decomposed and mutilated, which fuelled suspicions of organ-harvesting.

Further, he said the forensic experts have documented and secured evidence recovered during the inspection.

He assured the public that all the suspects would be identified and made to face justice.

The statement reads, “As part of ongoing efforts to curb kidnapping and other violent crimes along the Owerri–Aba Expressway, a high-powered team led by the Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Aboki Danjuma on Saturday, 6th December, 2025, inspected suspected kidnappers hideouts in Umuhu Autonomous Community in Ngor-Okpala following credible intelligence on Stanley Morocco Oparaugo, currently at large.

“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.

“Forensic experts documented and secured evidence. 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 or call 0803 477 3600”.

The command added that security team has been deployed to the Owerri-Aba Expressway and assured travellers of safety along the road during the yuletide.

called from punch.