By Anan Geolengs
A legal practitioner, Mr Joseph Offor, has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (I-G), seeking supplementary investigation into the alleged disappearance of the corpse of his client’s late brother.
Offor, counsel to Chief Osita Okammelu, made the request in a letter dated July 6 and addressed to the I-G.
The letter was also copied to the Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Force Criminal Investigation Department.
He said Okammelu had reported the matter to the I-G, following which the petition was referred to the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) for investigation.
The body of Chukwunweike Okammelo, an engineer, disappeared from the mortuary of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Teaching Hospital, Amaku, Awka, Anambra State, early this year.
Subsequently, the Okammelo family reported the incident to the police and complained about the unprofessional conduct and poor handling of the case by the hospital management.
Instead of investigating the incident, the family said the hospital leadership relied on the “Spurious narratives and falsehoods credited to the mortician, Mr Clement Ogbonna.”
The lawyer said investigation had been concluded and a report issued, but his client identified material omissions, inconsistencies and investigative gaps that affected the completeness, fairness and credibility of the investigation.
Offor said the report admitted existence of possible criminal conspiracy and systemic failures, yet recommended prosecution of only one suspect.
He said the report also acknowledged that significant aspects of the investigation remained outstanding while simultaneously recommending immediate prosecution.
He said the report further identified serious administrative and operational negligence without adequately investigating or recommending appropriate action against all persons who might bear criminal responsibility.
According to him, the report relied on financial records, call data records and other documentary exhibits without making comprehensive findings therefrom.
He said critical issues relating to chain of custody of the deceased’s corpse, roles of other listed suspects, institutional responsibility and circumstances surrounding unlawful release and disappearance of the corpse remained unresolved.
“Our client has accordingly prepared a detailed analysis identifying these gaps and respectfully demonstrating why he believes the investigation requires further review,” he said.
Offor urged the I-G to direct supplementary investigation into the matter, with particular attention to issues highlighted in the enclosed memorandum.
“Our client firmly believes that a thorough and comprehensive investigation will ensure that truth is fully uncovered and that justice is done to all parties without fear or favour,” he said.
Never miss a moment! Get the stories shaping Nigeria, delivered straight to your phone. Follow Peoplesdaily Newspaper on WhatsApp for breaking news, exclusive reports, and the headlines everyone will be talking about, before anyone else.
