Imo Police Launch Manhunt After Mutilated Corpses Found in Commercial Morgue

The Imo State Police Command has launched a manhunt for hotel operator Stanley Morocco Oparaugo after officers uncovered several decomposed and mutilated bodies in a commercial mortuary linked to him. The discovery was made during a coordinated security operation prompted by rising incidents of kidnapping, violent attacks, and suspected organ-harvesting activities along the Owerri–Aba Expressway.

Police spokesperson DSP Henry Okoye confirmed that a team led by the Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, carried out the raid on December 6 in Umuhu autonomous community, Ngor-Okpala. The operation followed credible intelligence pointing to criminal activities connected to the suspect, who has since gone into hiding.

Officials from the state Ministry of Health, including Commissioner Dr. Chioma Egu and Chief Pathologist Dr. Ibeaja Okechukwu, joined security personnel and members of the Ngor Okpala Vigilante Group for the inspection. Authorities said the hotel and morgue allegedly served as operational bases for kidnappers and other criminals.

During the search, officers found bodies in advanced stages of decomposition, many bearing signs of mutilation. Investigators say the state of the corpses heightened suspicions of an organ-harvesting ring operating from the facility. Forensic teams have since secured and documented evidence while the state government immediately sealed off the hotel and mortuary. A search of the suspect’s residence also yielded items considered vital to the investigation.

Police say efforts are underway to trace all accomplices involved. The Command has also increased security presence along the Owerri–Aba Expressway, assuring residents and travellers of enhanced safety throughout the holiday period.