Operatives of the Imo State Police Command have uncovered a hotel and a mortuary allegedly used by a criminal syndicate for kidnapping, ransom collection and organ harvesting along the Airport–Owerri–Aba Road in Ngor Okpala Local Government Area.
The command added that the action formed part of an ongoing crackdown on kidnapping and violent crimes, led by the Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, in collaboration with other security stakeholders.
According to a statement by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Okoye Henry, said intelligence-led investigations revealed that one High Chief Stanley Oparaugo, also known as “Morocco,” of Ngor Okpala, is the suspected kingpin of the syndicate. He allegedly owns Jessy Best Hotel, Ihitte Okwe, and a nearby mortuary known as Ugwudi, both situated along the Airport–Owerri–Aba Road.
During the operation, Henry 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.”
Police said the gang lured victims into the hotel, where they were robbed, abducted and forced to pay ransom. Several victims who reportedly paid ransom were never seen again by their families.
Further investigations indicated that victims were moved from the hotel to the mortuary, where they were allegedly killed and their body parts harvested for sale to criminal buyers.
The command added that the Commissioner of Police assured the public that all accomplices would be identified and brought to justice.
“Stanley Morocco Oparaugo has been declared wanted. Anyone with useful information should contact the nearest police station.
“Maximum security has been deployed along the Owerri–Aba Expressway,” the statement said.
The command assured travellers during the holidays of its commitment to their safety.