Iniubong Umoren’s Sister Dismisses Organ Harvesting Claims Amid Ongoing Speculation

Sister of Iniubong Umoren, the slain job seeker has publicly dismissed claims that her sister was a victim of organ harvesting, despite lingering rumors to the contrary.

Iniubong Umoren, a 26-year-old graduate of the University of Uyo, went missing in April 2021 after leaving her home for a job interview in Akwa Ibom State.

She had responded to a job advertisement posted by Uduak Akpan, who lured her to a remote location, where he raped and murdered her. Her body was later discovered in a shallow grave on Akpan’s family property, leading to widespread public outrage and calls for justice.

In August 2022, Akpan was found guilty of rape and murder by a court in Akwa Ibom State and sentenced to death by hanging.

His conviction brought some closure to the case, but speculations about the true nature of the crime has persisted.

Rumors of organ harvesting first surfaced when initial reports claimed that Umoren’s body was discovered in a severely mutilated state, including suggestions of decapitation. Multiple shallow graves found near the crime scene further fueled speculation that the site may have been used for ritualistic killings or organ trafficking.

However, these claims remain unsubstantiated. Uduak Akpan, during his trial, admitted to the rape and murder of Umoren but made no mention of organ trafficking or ritualistic motives.

In response to the mounting rumors, Umoren’s sister has categorically denied any link between her sister’s death and organ harvesting.

She emphasized that such speculation only adds to the family’s grief and distracts from the core issue – the brutal rape and murder of her sister.

Frank Akpan, the father of the convicted killer, also publicly rejected the organ harvesting allegations. He expressed shock and sorrow over his son’s actions, insisting he had no knowledge of such activities.

Several media outlets that initially reported on the possible organ harvesting angle have since walked back their claims.

For instance, Newswire had linked the Centre for Clinical Care and Clinical Research Nigeria (CCCRN) to the incident but later issued a retraction, admitting to errors in their reporting and clarifying that CCCRN had no involvement in the case.

While the tragic murder of Iniubong Umoren has sparked intense public interest and numerous conspiracy theories, no verified evidence has surfaced to support the organ harvesting narrative.

The case remains a stark reminder of the dangers faced by young women in Nigeria and the urgent need for improved security and justice systems.