Mortuary attendant nabbed by police for allegedly harvesting organs from a corpse in Edo

Mortuary Attendant Nabbed in Edo Over Alleged Organ Harvesting

In Edo State, Nigeria, a disturbing incident has gripped public attention after a mortuary attendant was arrested for allegedly harvesting organs from a corpse.

The case unfolded at Akugbe Mortuary, located in the Upper Sakponba area of Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, and has sparked outrage among residents and relatives of the deceased.

The incident reportedly occurred on Friday when family members arrived at the mortuary to collect the body of their loved one for burial. To their shock, they allegedly discovered that vital organs were missing.

Witnesses claim that the chest cavity of the deceased had been emptied and stuffed with nylon, a revelation that immediately triggered chaos. Relatives accused the mortuary attendant of engaging in ritualistic practices and organ harvesting, leading to a near breakdown of law and order at the facility.

Eyewitness accounts describe the scene as tense and volatile. Angry relatives and community members threatened to lynch the attendant and set the mortuary ablaze. It was only through swift intervention by police operatives that the situation was brought under control. The attendant was taken into custody, preventing mob violence and further escalation.

The Edo State Police Command confirmed the arrest and announced that investigations are ongoing. Authorities have pledged to thoroughly examine the allegations, given the gravity of the claims and the potential implications for public trust in mortuary services. 

The police emphasized that the matter would be handled with transparency and due process, as the allegations touch on both criminal activity and cultural sensitivities.

This incident has reignited conversations around the regulation of mortuary practices in Nigeria. Many residents expressed deep concern about the possibility of organ trafficking and ritual practices infiltrating institutions meant to preserve dignity for the dead.

The outrage reflects broader anxieties about exploitation of vulnerable situations, particularly in communities where suspicions of ritualism remain strong.

The case also highlights the fragile balance between grief and justice. Families of the deceased, already burdened with loss, now face the trauma of alleged desecration of their loved one’s body.

Community leaders have called for stricter oversight of mortuaries and harsher penalties for those found guilty of tampering with corpses. 

The police investigation will be crucial in determining whether the attendant acted alone, whether there is a wider network involved, and what measures must be taken to prevent recurrence.

As of now, the mortuary attendant remains in police custody, and the Edo State Police Command has assured the public that updates will be provided as investigations progress.

The incident stands as a chilling reminder of the need for vigilance, accountability, and respect for human dignity, even in death.