A mortuary operator in Umuhu Autonomous Community, Ngor-Okpala Local Government Area of Imo State, Mr. Stanley Morocco Oparaugo, has gone into hiding after being declared wanted by the police over allegations of organ harvesting at his facility.
Oparaugo, who also owns a hotel in the community, was declared wanted following a police operation that uncovered disturbing conditions at the mortuary.
The Imo State Police Command said the operation resulted in the discovery of improperly kept bodies, raising strong suspicion of criminal activities.
The Command’s spokesperson, Henry Okoye, explained that the manner in which the corpses were handled suggested possible organ harvesting.
In a statement made available to journalists, Okoye confirmed that the operation was personally led by Commissioner of Police Aboki Danjuma, acting on credible intelligence regarding activities at the facility.
He revealed that the team was supported by a vigilante group within the LGA, as part of ongoing security efforts aimed at tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes, particularly along the Owerri–Aba Expressway.
The police statement noted that decomposed and mutilated corpses were recovered from the mortuary under unhygienic conditions.
“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 statement explained.
Okoye added that a forensic report compiled by the pathological unit of the State Specialist Hospital would aid further investigation, as the Command worked to identify all involved parties.
He assured residents that the police would ensure accountability and pursue all accomplices connected to the alleged crime.
“Stanley Morocco Oparaugo has been declared wanted. Anyone with useful information should contact the nearest police station or call 0803 477 3600.
Maximum security has also been deployed along the Owerri–Aba Expressway.
The Command assures travelers during the holidays of its commitment to their safety,” the statement added.