The Imo State Police Command on Saturday sealed a private morgue and a hotel in Umuhu community, Ngor Okpala council area of Imo State, reportedly used as a hideout by alleged kidnappers and violent criminals along the Owerri–Aba Expressway.

The police also declared one Stanley Morocco Oparaugo, a suspect and owner, wanted. His private residence was also sealed.

Last Tuesday, armed men attacked the advance team of the Abia State governor and abducted innocent passengers around the Umuowa/Ihitte/Umuhu axis of the Owerri–Aba Expressway.

According to the spokesperson of the State Police Command, DSP Henry Okoye, in a press release, the facilities were sealed by the police on the orders of the state governor as part of ongoing measures to address violent crimes along the Owerri–Abia Expressway.

The statement read, “As part of ongoing efforts to curb kidnapping and other violent crimes along the Owerri–Aba Expressway, a high-powered team led by the Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Aboki Danjuma, on Saturday, 6th December, 2025, inspected suspected kidnappers’ hideouts in Umuhu Autonomous Community in Ngor Okpala following credible intelligence on Stanley Morocco Oparaugo, currently at large.”

Continuing, Okoye 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.

Forensic experts documented and secured evidence. 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 or call 0803 477 3600.

Maximum security has been deployed along the Owerri–Aba Expressway. The Command assures travellers during the holidays of its commitment to their safety.”

The delegation included the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr Chioma Egu; Chief Pathologist, Imo State Specialist Hospital, Dr Ibeaja Okechukwu; members of the Ngor Okpala Vigilante Group, led by Mr Henry Ikpe; and the Chairman of Ngor Okpala LGA, Hon Mrs Chika Ibekwe. (The Sun, excluding headline)

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