Family Demands Answers as Father’s Corpse Goes Missing in Delta

By Peter Onyekachukwu, Warri

DELTA: A family in Delta State has raised alarm over the mysterious disappearance of their father’s corpse from the Nigerian Navy Hospital mortuary in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area. 

The deceased, a 78-year-old man, was reportedly deposited at the facility on November 21, 2024, by his children, Omokiniovo Ighorhiohwunu and Duke Ighorhiohwunu.

The family, through human rights activist Comrade Ighorhiohwunu Aghogho, has petitioned the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ekpan Division, CSP Aliyu Shaba, demanding an urgent investigation into the matter.

“We are shocked and distressed by the sudden disappearance of our father’s corpse and urge the authorities to investigate this matter urgently,” Aghogho stated in the petition. He called on the police to identify those responsible, ensure they face justice, and help the family recover the missing body for a proper burial.

However, the Nigerian Navy Hospital has denied any wrongdoing. In a response letter signed by Lt. Ogo on behalf of the hospital commander, the institution stated that there was no record of the deceased being registered in their mortuary. 

“Following a review of our records, I am to respectfully inform you that there is no deceased person registered under the referenced name in our facility,” the letter read.

The case has also drawn the attention of the Nigerian Army’s 3 Battalion in Effurun after a petition was filed against Comrade Aghogho. A military police officer, Ruth John, confirmed that the Army had intervened due to the involvement of a serving military personnel related to the case.

“The Nigerian Army is involved because the police have failed to act. We are committed to ensuring justice and preventing any form of corruption,” she said.

The Ovwian Police Division in Udu Local Government Area has now launched an investigation into the involvement of military personnel in what is considered a civil matter under police jurisdiction. Authorities fear the situation could escalate and cause a breach of peace if not properly handled.