Imo Government Demolishes Hotel and Mortuary Over Organ Harvesting Allegations
- Imo state authorities demolished Jessy Best Hotel and Ugwudi Cottage Hospital’s mortuary after uncovering suspected organ harvesting operations
- Police confirmed mutilated corpses were found in unhygienic conditions, prompting Governor Hope Uzodimma to order the demolition
- The property owner, Stanley Oparaugo, popularly known as ‘Morocco’, was declared wanted after ignoring police invitations
The Imo state government demolished Jessy Best Hotel and the mortuary of Ugwudi Cottage Hospital along Owerri-Aba road in Ngor Okpala Local Government Area over alleged organ harvesting activities.
Officials said the morgue had earlier been sealed after decomposed and mutilated corpses were discovered in unhygienic conditions, sparking suspicions of illegal practices.
Source: Twitter
Police confirm governor’s order
Aboki Danjuma, the state commissioner of police, told journalists that the demolitions were carried out on the orders of Governor Hope Uzodimma. He explained that intelligence reports had linked the properties to criminal activity.
“The mortuary was suspected to be a site for organ harvesting, as many of the bodies recovered were mutilated,” he said.
Owner declared wanted
The police commissioner stated that the owner of the demolished properties, Stanley Oparaugo, popularly known as ‘Morocco’, was now wanted. He said Oparaugo had ignored several police invitations.
“Oparaugo can run, but he cannot hide for long. The law will catch up with him,” Danjuma added.
Security assurances for travellers
Danjuma urged residents to provide information that could lead to the suspect’s arrest. He also assured travellers on the Owerri-Aba expressway of “safe trips and tight security” during the yuletide season.
The enforcement operation extended beyond the hotel and mortuary. Two luxury homes, a bungalow, a duplex, and a smaller apartment in the Ngor community were also demolished.
Authorities said the properties were allegedly used as a shrine, where fet ish items were discovered and burnt during the exercise.
Imo state
Imo State is located in south‑eastern Nigeria with Owerri as its capital. Created on February 3, 1976, the state was named after the Imo River.
It is one of Nigeria’s smallest states by land area, covering about 5,530 km², but it is densely populated with over 5.4 million people.
Known as the “Eastern Heartland,” Imo is predominantly Igbo-speaking and has a rich cultural heritage.
The economy is driven by agriculture, especially oil palm, alongside commerce and small industries.
Imo also played a significant role during Nigeria’s civil war and remains a centre of education, politics, and vibrant traditions.
Lagos enacts laws to curb illegal organ harvesting
Legit.ng earlier reported that the Attorney-General of Lagos state and commissioner for justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, announced on Thursday that the Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation Bill has been signed into law.
This new law aims to prohibit illegal organ harvesting and ensure ethical medical practices in the state.
Speaking at the Ministry of Justice in Alausa, Ikeja, Pedro highlighted that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu signed the new laws to demonstrate the government's commitment to the welfare, security, and prosperity of every Lagosian.
Source: Legit.ng
