Chaos, Rampage As Edo Family Uncovers Alleged Harvesting Of Deceased Member’s Organs, Confronts Mortuary 

By Idahosa Musa and Mike Osarogiagbon

There were chaos and rampage in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State last Friday after grieving family members allegedly discovered that vital organs were missing from the corpse of their late relative.

The shocking discovery was made after the corpse, earlier deposited at Akugbe Medical Centre Mortuary along Akugbe Street, was taken home for burial rites at the weekend.

One mortuary attendant, Mr. Obakpolor has since been arrested and is currently in police custody as investigations commence.

According to reports, the deceased, identified as Mr. Uyi, aged 45, a commercial tricycle (Keke) rider at Nomayo area and a native of Urhonigbe Community in Orhionmwon Local Government Area, died under suspicious circumstances, last October.

The deceased family members reportedly noticed an unusual stench during the lying-in-state, raising suspicions that something was amiss.

According to family sources, it was while attempting to mask the offensive smell with perfume that they discovered the corpse had been violated, with internal organs allegedly removed and the stomach stuffed with cellophane.

The revelation threw the family into confusion, forcing an abrupt halt to burial preparations.

The corpse was immediately returned to the mortuary as relatives demanded explanations over the alleged mutilation.

It was gathered that professional explanations offered by the attending mortician failed to address their concerns.

News of the incident quickly spread, sparking outrage in the community and the situation reportedly escalated into violence as mourners allegedly attacked the mortuary attendant and damaged a window in the hospital, causing patients and staff to flee in fear.

The development also triggered panic among other families who had corpses stored at the mortuary, many of whom rushed to evacuate their loved ones’ remains to other facilities for fear of similar treatment.

A viral video circulating on social media showed the corpse with a visible opening in the chest region, while several pieces of cellophane were seen allegedly removed from the body, further fueling public outrage.

When our correspondent visited the medical facility on Sunday to obtain comments from the management, the Medical Director was said to be unavailable. Requests for his phone contact were declined.

It was observed that the two female staff on duty attended to visitors under fear of further attacks.

Residents of the area expressed shock over the incident, noting that the medical centre has operated for more than 20 years without any such controversy.

They called for calm while police and relevant authorities conduct thorough investigations.

Confirming the incident, the Public Relations Officer of the Edo State Police Command, ASP Eno Ikoedem, said a mortician had been arrested in connection with the alleged mutilation at Akugbe Medical Centre and that investigation had commence.