The Edo State Police Command has launched an investigation into allegations that body parts were missing from a corpse deposited at the Akugbe Mortuary on Upper Sakponba Road, Benin City.
The incident, which sparked public outrage, nearly degenerated into mob action before police intervention, according to a statement issued on Tuesday by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem.
Ikoedem said the police were alerted through a distress call that a mortuary attendant was about to be lynched by an angry crowd, prompting the immediate deployment of operatives to the scene.
She explained that preliminary findings showed that one Marvelous Odeh and others had gone to the mortuary to collect the remains of a deceased family member, only to discover that the corpse had allegedly been tampered with.
Ikoedem said, “On December 12, 2025, the Command received an urgent distress call indicating that a mortuary attendant was on the verge of being lynched by an irate crowd over allegations of organ harvesting. Acting swiftly, the Divisional Police Officer of Ugbekun Division mobilised operatives to the scene and successfully rescued the suspect, thereby averting a breakdown of law and order.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that one Marvelous Odeh and others had visited the mortuary to claim the corpse of the late Uyi Enogieru for burial.
“However, after completing the required formalities, it was discovered that the corpse had been unlawfully tampered with and some body parts were missing, prompting a report to the police.”
She added that the mortuary attendant involved has been taken into custody while investigations continue.
The police spokesman said the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, had ordered the transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department for a thorough and discreet probe.
“The suspect has been taken into custody and, on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, CP Monday Agbonika, the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for a thorough, professional, and discreet investigation to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“The Edo State Police Command assures members of the public that no stone will be left unturned in uncovering the truth and ensuring that anyone found culpable is brought to justice in accordance with the law.
“Members of the public are urged to remain calm and refrain from taking the law into their own hands, while allowing the police to carry out a comprehensive investigation,” Ikoedem added.