Hotel, Mortuary Tied to Wanted Kidnapper Sealed by Imo Govt

Umuhu, Ngor-Okpala, Imo State – The Imo State Government has sealed a hotel and a private mortuary allegedly used as hideouts by a wanted kidnapping suspect, following a joint security and government operation on Saturday, December 6, 2025.

The operation, led by the Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, targeted Umuhu Autonomous Community after intelligence linked Stanley Morocco Oparaugo, now on the run, to a network of kidnapping and violent crimes along the Owerri–Aba Expressway.

The inspection team included the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Chioma Egu; the Chief Pathologist of the Imo State Specialist Hospital, Dr. Ibeaja Okechukwu; the Chairman of Ngor-Okpala LGA, Hon. Chika Ibekwe; and members of the local vigilante network.

During the raid, authorities found severely decomposed and improperly preserved bodies at the mortuary, raising serious concerns about potential illegal activities, including organ-related crimes. Both the mortuary and the hotel were immediately sealed, while forensic specialists were deployed to document and secure evidence.

DSP Okoye Henry, Police Public Relations Officer, said, “A hotel and a private mortuary owned by the suspect, allegedly used by kidnappers and violent criminals, were inspected. At the mortuary, decomposed and mutilated corpses were discovered in unhygienic conditions, raising suspicions of illegal organ-harvesting activities. Following these discoveries, both the hotel and mortuary were sealed on the directive of the State Government. The suspect’s residence was also searched, and crucial exhibits were recovered.”

He added that the operation is part of an intensified crackdown on criminal networks terrorizing motorists and residents along the Owerri–Aba Expressway, assuring the public that all accomplices would be identified and brought to justice.

Stanley Morocco Oparaugo has been declared WANTED. Members of the public with information on his whereabouts have been urged to contact the nearest police station or call 0803 477 3600. Maximum security has been deployed along the expressway to protect travelers during the holiday season.