Family calls on Police Chief over missing engineer's body in Anambra hospital

The family of Chukwunweike Okammelu, an engineer whose body reportedly went missing from the mortuary of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Teaching Hospital in Awka, Anambra State, has written to the Inspector-General of Police. They want a deeper investigation into the matter.

The family’s lawyer, Joseph Offor, sent a letter to the IG, with a copy to the Deputy Inspector-General of Police at the Force Criminal Investigation Department in Abuja.

The family had already informed the police about the missing body. They are unhappy with how the hospital management dealt with the situation.

In the petition, Offor said the IG assigned the Intelligence Response Team to look into the case after it was brought to his attention. He noted that although the investigation was finished and a report was issued, his client found important omissions, inconsistencies, and gaps that cast doubt on the findings.

He mentioned that the report recognized possible criminal conspiracy and failures in the system but only recommended prosecuting the mortician, Mr Clement Ogbonna. Offor also claimed the report highlighted negligence without properly investigating everyone who may be responsible for any crime.

He pointed out that key issues, like the chain of custody of the body, the roles of other suspects, and the overall circumstances of the disappearance, still need answers.

"Our client has prepared a detailed analysis showing these gaps and respectfully explaining why he believes the investigation needs another look," he said.

Offor urged the IG to start a supplementary investigation that focuses on the issues raised in the accompanying documents.

"Our client strongly believes that a thorough investigation will uncover the truth and ensure justice is served to everyone involved without bias," he added.

Meanwhile, the Anambra State Police Command said they are not looking into the case. They stated that the matter is with the investigating team in Abuja.

The command’s spokesman, Ikenganyia Anthony, said, "The command is not investigating any case like that. Everything concerning the case is before the investigating team in Abuja."

The hospital’s Chief Medical Director, Maureen Umeakuewulu, mentioned that the incident happened before she took office on March 13. She noted that the case, which allegedly took place in January, has been investigated by the police and moved between different investigation units.

"To the best of my knowledge, it is with the police, and they are handling it. I don’t know specifically; maybe they are preparing to charge someone to court," she said.

The CMD added that she could not confirm if the case has been taken to court, explaining that she does not have enough information because the incident occurred before her tenure began.