“Investigation Requires Further Review” — Family Seeks Fresh Probe Into Missing Corpse At Anambra Teaching Hospital

The family of Chukwunweike Okammelu, an engineer whose corpse allegedly disappeared from the mortuary of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Teaching Hospital, Amaku, Awka, Anambra State, has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, seeking a further investigation into the incident.

The family’s lawyer, Joseph Offor, made the request in a letter addressed to the Inspector-General of Police, with a copy sent to the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department, Abuja.

The family had earlier reported the disappearance of the corpse to the police and expressed dissatisfaction with the hospital management’s handling of the incident.

In the petition, Offor said the matter was referred to the Inspector-General of Police, who subsequently assigned the Intelligence Response Team to investigate.

He said that although the investigation had been concluded and a report issued, his client identified material omissions, inconsistencies and gaps which, in his view, undermined the completeness and credibility of the findings.

According to him, the report acknowledged possible criminal conspiracy and systemic failures but recommended the prosecution of only the mortician, Mr Clement Ogbonna.

Offor also alleged that the report identified administrative and operational negligence without adequately investigating all those who might bear criminal responsibility.

He said critical issues, including the chain of custody of the corpse, the roles of other suspects, institutional responsibility and the circumstances surrounding the disappearance, remained unresolved.

“Our client has accordingly prepared a detailed analysis identifying these gaps and respectfully demonstrating why he believes the investigation requires further review,” he said.

Offor urged the Inspector-General of Police to order a supplementary investigation, with particular attention to the issues raised in the accompanying memorandum.

“Our client firmly believes that a thorough and comprehensive investigation will ensure that the truth is fully uncovered and that justice is done to all parties without fear or favour,” he added.

The Anambra State Police Command, however, said it was not investigating the case, explaining that the matter was before the investigating team in Abuja.

The command’s spokesperson, Ikenganyia Anthony, said, “The command is not investigating any case like that. Everything concerning the case is before the investigating team in Abuja.”

The hospital’s Chief Medical Director, Maureen Umeakuewulu, said the incident predated her assumption of office on March 13.

She said the incident, which occurred in January, had been investigated by the police and moved between different investigation units.

“To the best of my knowledge, it is with the police, and they are handling it. I don’t know specifically; maybe they are preparing to charge to court,” she said.

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