The Imo State Government has shut down a hotel and a private mortuary in Umuhu community, Ngor-Okpala, after authorities uncovered over 100 decomposed and mutilated bodies kept in highly unhygienic conditions, sparking suspicions of illegal organ-harvesting operations.

The development was announced in a statement on Sunday by the state police spokesperson, Henry Okoye.

Okoye said the raid was part of an intensified crackdown on kidnapping and violent crimes along the Owerri–Aba Expressway, led by Commissioner of Police Aboki Danjuma in collaboration with other security stakeholders.

According to him, the operation followed credible intelligence on a wanted suspect, Stanley Morocco Oparaugo, who is currently on the run.

During the operation, officers inspected a hotel and private mortuary allegedly owned by Oparaugo, believed to have been used as a hideout for kidnappers, succession agitators and other violent criminals.

“At the mortuary, decomposed and mutilated corpses were discovered in unhygienic conditions, raising suspicions of illegal organ-harvesting activities,” the statement said.

Both facilities were immediately sealed on the directive of the state government. A search of the suspect’s residence also led to the recovery of crucial exhibits.

Okoye added that the Commissioner of Police has assured the public that all accomplices will be identified and prosecuted.

“Stanley Morocco Oparaugo has been declared WANTED. Anyone with useful information should contact the nearest police station,” he said, noting that maximum security has now been deployed along the Owerri–Aba Expressway.