Authorities in Imo State, southeastern Nigeria, have launched a wide-ranging criminal investigation after more than 100 unidentified bodies were found during a police operation that uncovered what officials suspect may have been an illegal operation involving kidnapping and unlawful handling of human remains. The discovery has prompted widespread concern and a coordinated security response across the region.
The Imo State Police Command confirmed that the bodies were located during an inspection of a hotel and a privately owned mortuary in Umuhu, an autonomous community in the Ngor-Okpala area. Both facilities have since been sealed by order of the state government. According to police spokesperson Henry Okoye, the properties are linked to a single suspect who is now wanted by authorities.
Large Team Conducts Coordinated Raid
The raid was carried out by a joint team that included senior police officials, health authorities, forensic experts, local security volunteers, and the Imo State Commissioner for Health. Investigators said the mortuary contained a significant number of bodies in extremely poor conditions, raising concerns about long-term unlawful activity.
Although police have not publicly confirmed the cause of death for any of the individuals found, the condition of the mortuary and the number of bodies recovered prompted investigators to consider the possibility of organised criminal practices, including kidnapping and the illegal sale or misuse of human organs. Okoye declined to provide specific forensic details, citing the ongoing investigation, but confirmed that the findings were serious enough to warrant immediate government intervention.
“The hotel and mortuary owned by the suspect were inspected thoroughly,” Okoye said in a statement on Monday. “The discoveries at the mortuary—where numerous decomposed bodies were found in unhygienic conditions—have led to a full criminal inquiry. Both facilities have been sealed off as part of the investigation.”
Suspect Declared Wanted as Police Expand Search
Police say they are now pursuing the primary suspect, who fled his residence before officers arrived. Investigators who searched the home reportedly recovered items considered important to the case, though the nature of these materials has not been publicly disclosed.
Forensic teams have documented the scene and secured evidence, which will be analysed to determine how long the activities may have been occurring and how many individuals might be involved. Authorities indicated that accomplices are likely and pledged to pursue all persons connected to the case.
“The Commissioner of Police has assured the public that no effort will be spared in identifying all individuals linked to this illegal activity,” Okoye added.
Security Heightened Across Surrounding Areas
In response to public concern, Imo State Police have increased security measures along major routes, including the busy Owerri–Aba Expressway. Officers have advised residents and travellers that additional patrols and checkpoints will be in place during the holiday period.
The discovery comes at a time when Nigeria continues to confront a surge in violent crime, including kidnapping networks and suspected criminal groups involved in ritual killings. Though officials emphasise that the investigation is ongoing, the case has reopened national debate about the dangers posed by criminal organisations exploiting gaps in law enforcement and economic hardship.
Background: Rising Violence and Recent Abductions
The discovery in Imo State follows a series of high-profile security incidents across Nigeria. Only weeks earlier, heavily armed attackers abducted 25 female students from a boarding school in Kebbi State during a pre-dawn raid that resembled previous mass abductions linked to extremist groups. The kidnapping drew comparisons to the 2014 Chibok attack, in which Boko Haram abducted 276 schoolgirls, prompting international outrage.
President Bola Tinubu has recently sought additional international cooperation to improve Nigeria’s internal security, including discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron. France has pledged support to Nigeria as it continues to confront terrorism, kidnapping, and organised criminal networks operating in several states.
Investigation Ongoing
Imo officials have urged the public to remain calm and avoid speculation as forensic examinations continue. Authorities say results from the investigation will determine whether further charges, including those relating to organised crime or unlawful handling of human remains, will be brought forward.
More updates are expected as police continue searching for the suspect and analysing forensic evidence recovered from the scene.
Source:Africa Publicity
