Imo Shuts Down Hotel And Mortuary Linked To Kidnapping Suspect

The Imo State government has sealed a hotel and a private mortuary following allegations that the facilities were being used by a wanted kidnapping suspect. The move sent a ripple through the state over the weekend, especially as details of the investigation became public.

According to a statement on X by the State Police Public Relations Officer, Okoye Henry, the operation stemmed from credible intelligence on a suspect identified as Stanley Morocco Oparaugo, who remains on the run.

Police said the raid was part of an ongoing effort led by Commissioner of Police Aboki Danjuma to dismantle kidnapping rings and other violent criminal networks operating along the Owerri Aba Expressway.

During the inspection, security operatives visited a hotel and a private mortuary allegedly linked to the suspect. What they found raised deeper concerns. Henry noted that several decomposed and severely mutilated bodies were discovered at the mortuary in conditions described as unhygienic and troubling, fueling suspicions of illegal organ related activity.

Following the discoveries, the state government ordered both facilities to be sealed immediately. Officers also searched the suspect’s residence, where they reportedly recovered items considered crucial to the investigation.

Authorities say the search for Oparaugo is ongoing, and the police are urging the public to share any information that could help track him down.