The family of a deceased engineer, Chukwunweike Okammelu, has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), seeking a supplementary investigation into the disappearance of his corpse from the mortuary of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Teaching Hospital, Amaku, Awka, Anambra State.
The family, through its lawyer, Mr Joseph Offor, said the police investigation into the incident contained material omissions, inconsistencies and unresolved questions that raised concerns about the completeness and credibility of the findings.
In a letter dated July 6 and addressed to the IGP, Offor, counsel to Chief Osita Okammelu, urged the police chief to review the investigation and order further inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the disappearance.
The petition was also copied to the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department, Abuja.
Offor explained that following the family’s complaint, the matter was referred to the IGP and subsequently assigned to the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) for investigation.
He said the IRT had concluded its investigation and issued a report, but the family identified significant gaps that, in its view, required further scrutiny.
According to the lawyer, the report acknowledged the possibility of criminal conspiracy and systemic failures but recommended the prosecution of only the mortician, Mr Clement Ogbonna.
He argued that the recommendation was premature, given that the report reportedly acknowledged that significant aspects of the investigation remained outstanding.
Offor further alleged that although the findings identified serious administrative and operational negligence, the investigation failed to adequately establish the responsibilities of all persons who might have been involved or recommend appropriate action against them.
He also faulted the investigators’ handling of financial records, call data records and other documentary exhibits, arguing that comprehensive findings had not been drawn from the available evidence.
The lawyer said critical issues surrounding the chain of custody of the corpse, the roles of other listed suspects, institutional responsibility and the circumstances of the alleged unlawful release and disappearance of the body remained unresolved.
The family had earlier reported the incident to the police and expressed concerns over what it described as the unprofessional conduct and inadequate handling of the matter by the hospital management.
Offor alleged that, rather than adequately addressing the circumstances surrounding the disappearance, the hospital leadership relied on what the family described as “spurious narratives and falsehoods” attributed to the mortician.
“Our client has accordingly prepared a detailed analysis identifying these gaps and respectfully demonstrating why he believes the investigation requires further review,” the lawyer said.
He urged the IGP to direct a supplementary investigation, with particular attention to the issues outlined in a memorandum accompanying the petition.
Offor expressed confidence that a more comprehensive investigation would establish the facts surrounding the incident and ensure that all those found culpable were held accountable.
“Our client firmly believes that a thorough and comprehensive investigation will ensure that truth is fully uncovered and that justice is done to all parties without fear or favour,” he said.
