Police Investigate Alleged Organ-Harvesting Ring After Discovery of Mutilated Corpses in Imo State

The Nigeria Police Force has launched a full-scale investigation following the discovery of numerous mutilated and decomposed human bodies at a hotel and a private mortuary in Umuhu autonomous community, Ngor-Okpala Local Government Area of Imo State, sparking widespread public outrage and intense speculation across the country.

The grim discovery was made after security operatives, acting on intelligence and community reports, raided Jessy Best Hotel and Ugwudi Cottage Hospital Mortuary Services, where dozens of corpses in various states of decomposition were allegedly found. Some of the bodies were reportedly mutilated, raising strong suspicions of illegal organ harvesting and other grave criminal activities. Following the operation, the Imo State Police Command sealed off the facilities, while forensic experts, pathologists, and health officials were deployed to the scene to examine the bodies and gather evidence. Police spokespersons confirmed that investigations are ongoing to determine the identities of the deceased, the cause of death, and whether the organs of the victims were illegally removed. In response to the development, the Imo State Government ordered the demolition of the hotel, the mortuary, and additional buildings allegedly linked to the owner of the facilities. State officials said the decision was taken in the interest of public health and safety, as well as to dismantle any infrastructure suspected to be connected to organized criminal activity. Amid the development, claims circulating on social media that the police have arrested members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) described as “human butchers and organ harvesters” have not been officially confirmed by the Nigeria Police Force or other credible authorities. As of the time of reporting, police have not announced any arrests specifically linking IPOB members to organ harvesting in the case, urging the public to disregard unverified information. Police authorities have reiterated their commitment to a transparent and thorough investigation, assuring Nigerians that anyone found culpable—regardless of affiliation—will be prosecuted in accordance with the law. They also warned against the spread of misinformation, noting that false narratives could inflame tensions in an already fragile security environment. The incident has renewed concerns over rising criminality in parts of the South-East, particularly involving kidnappings, illegal detention, and suspected ritual-related crimes. Residents of the affected communities have called on the federal and state governments to strengthen security and ensure justice for the victims. Investigations remain ongoing, and the police say further details will be made public as forensic analysis and interrogations progress.