By Ado Oyeyemi
The family of an engineer, Chukwunweike Okammelu, whose corpse allegedly disappeared from the mortuary of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Teaching Hospital, Amaku, Awka, Anambra State, has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, demanding a fresh investigation into the incident.
The family, through its lawyer, Joseph Offor, expressed dissatisfaction with the outcome of an earlier police investigation, alleging that the report contained omissions, inconsistencies and unresolved questions surrounding the disappearance.
In a petition addressed to the IGP, with a copy sent to the Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Force Criminal Investigation Department, Abuja, Offor urged the police chief to order a supplementary investigation into the matter.
The family had earlier reported the incident to the police but faulted the hospital management’s handling of the case.
According to Offor, the matter was subsequently referred to the IGP, who assigned the Intelligence Response Team to investigate the disappearance.
He said although the team had concluded its investigation and submitted a report, his client identified significant gaps that, in his view, cast doubt on the completeness and credibility of the findings.
The lawyer alleged that the report acknowledged possible criminal conspiracy and systemic failures but recommended the prosecution of only the mortician, identified as Clement Ogbonna.
He further claimed that the report identified administrative and operational negligence without adequately examining the possible criminal liability of other individuals who might have been involved.
Offor said several critical questions remained unanswered, including the chain of custody of the corpse, the roles of other suspects, the hospital’s institutional responsibility and the circumstances surrounding the disappearance.
“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, focusing on the concerns outlined in the accompanying memorandum.
Offor added that the family wanted a comprehensive investigation that would establish the circumstances surrounding the disappearance and ensure that anyone found culpable was held accountable.
“Our client firmly believes that a thorough and comprehensive investigation will ensure that the truth is fully uncovered and that justice is done to all parties without fear or favour,” he said.
However, the Anambra State Police Command said it was not handling the investigation, explaining that the matter remained with the investigating team in Abuja.
The command’s spokesperson, Ikenganyia Anthony, said, “The command is not investigating any case like that. Everything concerning the case is before the investigating team in Abuja.”
The hospital’s Chief Medical Director, Maureen Umeakuewulu, said the incident occurred before she assumed office on March 13.
She explained that the disappearance reportedly took place in January and that the case had been investigated by the police before being transferred between investigation units.
“To the best of my knowledge, it is with the police, and they are handling it. I don’t know specifically; maybe they are preparing to charge to court,” she said.
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Umeakuewulu, however, said she could not confirm whether the case had been taken to court, noting that she could not provide further details because the incident predated her tenure.
