The Imo State Police Command raids the Owerri-Aba Road hideouts of suspected criminal elements, in the process sealing a hotel, mortuary owned by a suspect now on the run
Jude Nzennaya, Port Harcourt.
The Imo State Police Command has launched manhunt on alleged kidnappers and organ harvesters who operates along the Owerri-Aba expressway. The Police said there has been an intelligence report of violent criminal activities going on in that axis which prompted the action of the Imo state Commissioner of Police (CP) Aboki Danjuma storming Umuhu Autonomous Community in Ngor-Okpala Local Government Area.
Leading a high-level delegation on an investigative tour of suspected criminal hideouts said to be connected with a wanted suspect named Stanley Morocco Oparaugo, who is currently on the run to evade arrest, CP Aboki and his team visited a hotel and mortuary owned by the suspect, both of which intelligence reports indicated were being used by alleged kidnappers and criminal elements. The Police said discoveries at the mortuary were deeply disturbing, officials found decomposing and mutilated corpses stored in hazardous and unhygienic conditions.
These discoveries intensified fears of possible illegal organ harvesting activities and reinforced concerns about the extent of criminal operations that have been going on in the area.
The inspection team comprises of key government officials and local security stakeholders, including the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Imo State, Dr. Chioma Egu, Chief Pathologist of the Imo State Specialist Hospital, Dr. Ibeaja Okechukwu, as well as the leadership of the Ngor-Okpala Vigilante Group headed by Mr. Henry Ikpe. Also present was the Chairman of Ngor-Okpala LGA, Hon. Mrs. Chika Ibekwe.
Following findings at the site, the Imo State Government immediately ordered the sealing of both the hotel and mortuary as subsequent search of the suspect’s residence yielded more vital exhibits which are now in Police custody.
Forensic specialists have since documented and secured all evidence to aid ongoing investigations. CP Danjuma emphasized that no stone would be left unturned, assuring the public that all collaborators and beneficiaries of the criminal network would be identified, arrested, and prosecuted.
The Police Command has formally declared Oparaugo wanted, urging residents and anyone with useful information that could lead to his arrest to come forward as well members of the public are encouraged to approach the nearest police station or call 0803 477 3600 with credible information.
As the Christmas season approaches, the Imo State Police Command has significantly reinforced security presence along the Owerri-Aba Expressway, reassuring commuters and residents that robust security measures have been deployed to guarantee safe movements throughout the festive period.
Accordingly, the spokesperson for the Command, DSP Henry Okoye, informed the public that the police remained fully committed to restoring public confidence and maintaining law and order across the state.
Meanwhile the Rivers State Police Command has arrested three suspects in connection with a stolen car.
In similar operation, the operatives of the Rivers State Police Command attached to the Electronic Central Motor Registry (ECMR) and Special Operations and Intelligence Team (SOIT), have arrested three suspected car thieves in Port Harcourt.
The suspects, Christian Ihuigwe, John Ebus and Barnabas all males and residents of Port Harcourt were accused of stealing and selling a Toyota Corolla with Reg. No. PHC 626 TX, Engine No. IZZ997375, Chassis No. 2T1BR32E44C280137.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, in a statement issued in Port Harcourt said the operatives also recovered the stolen car.
Koko stated that the three suspects and exhibits have been transferred to the Special Investigation Department (SID) in line with the directives of the Commissioner of Police for further forensic analysis.
She stated further that intensive efforts were ongoing to apprehend other potential accomplices at large and updates will be made known publicly.
“The operation followed a formal complaint lodged by an Officer attached to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Rivers State Sector Command, Port Harcourt, who presented the car particulars including a sales agreement and proof of ownership.
“Verification by Professor Karibo Bagshaw, the rightful owner of the vehicle, confirmed that the vehicle was stolen from his daughter in December 2024 by their former bolt driver,” koko said.
Also, the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State, (CP) Olugbenga Adepoju, has reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to ensuring the safety of lives and property.
Adepoju, who commended the diligence of the operatives and urged citizens to share credible information with the Police and other Security agencies to curb such crimes, stated that the suspects will face prosecution upon completion of investigations.
