The Imo State Government has demolished Ugwudi Cottage Hospital Mortuary in Umuchem, Umuhu community, Ngor Okpala Local Government Area, following alarming discoveries of mutilated and unidentified corpses. The action, ordered by Governor Hope Uzodimma, is part of ongoing efforts to address public health hazards and criminal activities in the state.
Alongside the mortuary, the state authorities also razed Jessy Best Hotel and two newly built residential houses in Amaeke Ngor, all reportedly owned by Stanley Oparaugo, popularly known as “Morocco.” Oparaugo, currently wanted by the police, has been linked to ritual killings, kidnappings, organ harvesting, and other criminal acts.
The demolition followed an inspection conducted by officials from the Ministry of Health and the police, during which 21 corpses were recovered from the mortuary. According to Dr. Chioma Egu, Commissioner for Health, the facility posed serious public health risks. She noted:
> “Imo people are at health risk because this kind of place can lead to disease outbreaks. This facility is not suitable for mortuary services and is not authorized to operate.”
The recovered corpses were transferred to a secure mortuary while authorities attempt to identify and reunite them with their families. Dr. Egu added that unclaimed bodies may be subjected to a mass burial in line with state procedures.
Beginning next week, the Ministry of Health will initiate comprehensive inspections of all mortuaries and health facilities in Imo State to identify and shut down unauthorized operations.
> “The state government is committed to closing down any facility found culpable of providing illegal services,” Dr. Egu said.
The demolition operation was supervised by top officials, including Gen. Joseph Ogbonna (rtd), Hon. Chinasa Nwaneri, and Ngor Okpala Council Chairman Hon. Mrs. Chika Ibekwe, with support from police and local vigilante groups under CP Aboki Danjuma.
Council Chairman Ibekwe commended the governor for decisive action, noting that residents had long reported criminal activities linked to the demolished facilities. CP Danjuma emphasized that the operation reflects the state government’s and security agencies’ unwavering commitment to combating crime and urged the public to provide intelligence that could lead to Oparaugo’s arrest.
Journalists on-site reported disturbing findings inside the demolished buildings, including shrines, human skulls, decomposing bodies, dangerous animals, and fetish items, highlighting the serious nature of the criminal allegations.
The operation sends a strong signal that the state government is prioritizing public safety, health, and the eradication of ritualistic criminal practices in communities across Imo State.
