The Imo State Government closed a hotel and private mortuary in Umuhu Autonomous Community, Ngor-Okpala, on Saturday after uncovering decaying and damaged corpses in unsanitary conditions, raising suspicions of illegal organ harvesting.
The operation was part of a larger crackdown on kidnapping and violent crimes along the Owerri-Aba Expressway, led by Commissioner of Police Aboki Danjuma and other partners.
DSP Okoye Henry, the State Police Command Public Relations Officer, issued the following statement.
According to the PPRO, the operation was predicated on genuine intelligence about a suspected criminal, Stanley Morocco Oparaugo, who is still 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 police also stated that the Commissioner of Police had assured the public that all collaborators will be discovered and prosecuted.
“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 police command assured travellers during the holidays of its commitment to their safety.
