By THE remains of a 78‑year‑old man have reportedly vanished from the Nigerian Navy Hospital mortuary in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area, Delta State.
Stonix News reports that the corpse was allegedly deposited on 21 November 2024 by his two sons, Omokiniovo Ighorhiohwunu and Duke Ighorhiohwunu, who duly signed for his remains.
A petition has since been submitted by his son and human rights activist, Comrade Ighorhiohwunu Aghogho, to the Divisional Police Officer of Ekpan Division, CSP Aliyu Shaba.
In the petition, Aghogho stated, “We are shocked and distressed by the sudden disappearance of our father’s corpse and urge you to investigate this matter urgently.”
He further requested that the police investigate the circumstances surrounding the disappearance, identify those responsible, take the necessary action to bring the perpetrators to justice, and assist in recovering his father’s body for proper burial.
In response, the Nigerian Navy Hospital in Effurun issued a statement under reference A; HCI/FR/32/2024, registered at the High Court of Justice in Isiokolo.
The statement, signed by a Surgeon Lieutenant, LI Ogo, on behalf of the Commander, confirmed that the hospital received the court document on 17 February 2025.
A review of the hospital’s records revealed that no deceased person is registered under the details provided, leading the institution to deny the allegations.
The response concluded with the message, “Please accept the assurance of the esteemed regards of the Commander.”
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army’s 3 Battalion in Effurun has also taken an interest in the case after a petition was lodged against Comrade Aghogho, prompting further inquiry.
A female military police officer, identified as Ruth John, informed Our Correspondent by telephone on the night of 24 February that the Army had summoned Aghogho to discuss the issue.
Ms John explained, “99% of Nigerian problems in Delta State are managed by our personnel, and we receive many community petitions. The Military Police is well placed to handle both civil and military matters.”
She added that the involvement of the Army was partly due to a serving personnel being related to the family, and that they intend to verify the claim by inspecting the mortuary.
“We will follow up to ensure there is no corruption,” she stated, emphasising that those deserving justice should be duly punished.
Simultaneously, the Divisional Police Headquarters at Ovwian in Udu LGA has launched an investigation into the conduct of the military personnel, an inquiry that falls within police jurisdiction and could potentially prevent a breach of peace.
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