The Edo State Police Command has commenced an investigation into allegations that body parts were removed from a corpse deposited at Akugbe Mortuary along Upper Sakponba Road, Benin City.
The incident, which sparked outrage among residents, nearly degenerated into mob action before police intervention.
PUNCH Metro learnt on Tuesday that operatives were swiftly deployed to the area after a distress call indicated that a mortuary attendant was about to be lynched by an irate crowd.
According to the command’s Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, trouble started when one Marvelous Odeh and other family members arrived at the mortuary to collect the remains of a relative for burial, only to discover that the body had allegedly been tampered with.
Ikoedem said, “On December 12, 2025, the Command received an urgent distress call indicating that a mortuary attendant was on the verge of being lynched by an irate crowd over allegations of organ harvesting. Acting swiftly, the Divisional Police Officer of Ugbekun Division mobilised operatives to the scene and successfully rescued the suspect, thereby averting a breakdown of law and order.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that one Marvelous Odeh and others had visited the mortuary to claim the corpse of the late Uyi Enogieru for burial.
“However, after completing the required formalities, it was discovered that the corpse had been unlawfully tampered with and some body parts were missing, prompting a report to the police.”
She disclosed that the suspect was immediately taken into custody while investigations commenced to establish the circumstances surrounding the allegation.
The police spokesperson assured residents that the matter was being handled professionally and warned against resorting to self-help.
“The suspect has been taken into custody and, on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, CP Monday Agbonika, the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for a thorough, professional, and discreet investigation to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“The Edo State Police Command assures members of the public that no stone will be left unturned in uncovering the truth and ensuring that anyone found culpable is brought to justice in accordance with the law.
Members of the public are urged to remain calm and refrain from taking the law into their own hands, while allowing the police to carry out a comprehensive investigation,” Ikoedem added.
The development comes amid heightened concern over alleged organ harvesting across the country.
PUNCH Metro had reported that the Imo State Government recently demolished Ugwudi Cottage Hospital Mortuary at Umuchem, Umuhu community in Ngor Okpala Local Government Area, after mutilated and unidentified corpses were discovered there.
A hotel known as Jessy Best Hotel and two residential buildings at Amaeke Ngor, allegedly owned by one Stanley Oparaugo, also known as Morocco, were similarly pulled down on the governor’s directive.
Oparaugo was said to have been declared wanted by the police over alleged involvement in ritual killings, kidnapping and organ harvesting.