Amnesty Demands Justice as Hundreds of Unidentified Bodies Reportedly Moved From Imo Mortuaries

By: Peter Emmanuel |

Amnesty International has called on Nigerian authorities to account for hundreds of unidentified bodies reportedly being moved from mortuaries in Imo State to unknown destinations.

The organisation said it received reports that bodies were being moved from facilities including Ngor Okpala General Hospital, while other bodies had reportedly been seen at Mbieri General Hospital.

Amnesty said videos obtained by the organisation showed people moving dead bodies at night, with many of the bodies reportedly in skeletal condition and appearing in large numbers.

The organisation urged the Imo State Government and relevant authorities to immediately clarify the circumstances surrounding the bodies, their identities, causes of death and how they came to be in the mortuaries.

Amnesty also called for all mortuary records, medical records and other relevant evidence to be preserved to prevent interference with any investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

Amnesty Calls for Identification, Forensic Examination of Bodies

Amnesty International said the authorities must properly identify all the bodies and establish when, where and how they died before determining their final disposition.

The organisation called for appropriate forensic examinations to be conducted, including autopsies where necessary, to establish the identities and causes of death.

It also urged the authorities to promptly inform families whose relatives may be among the unidentified bodies and provide them with information about what happened to their loved ones.

Isa Sanusi, Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, said the Imo State Government and relevant authorities must account for all the bodies and explain where they came from and where they are being taken.

Sanusi also stressed the need to preserve the bodies and all relevant documentation that could assist an investigation.

He said families of people who died or disappeared have a right to know what happened to their relatives, adding that authorities must act urgently to establish the truth.

Rights Group Demands Investigation, Accountability for Possible Unlawful Killings

Amnesty International also called for an independent and impartial investigation into allegations that some of the deceased may have been victims of unlawful killings during security operations in Imo State.

The organisation said any investigation should examine the circumstances surrounding the deaths and determine whether security personnel or other individuals may have been responsible for human rights violations.

It warned that no body or evidence should be concealed, destroyed, disposed of or otherwise interfered with while investigations are ongoing.

Amnesty further called for anyone suspected of criminal responsibility for unlawful killings or other human rights violations to be investigated and, where there is sufficient admissible evidence, prosecuted through fair proceedings.

The organisation said preserving evidence would be essential to establishing the truth and ensuring that any investigation is credible and capable of delivering justice.

Sanusi reiterated that the families of those who died or disappeared deserve answers about the fate of their loved ones, urging the authorities to ensure truth, justice and accountability in the matter.