Reports of hundreds of unidentified bodies allegedly being discovered and moved from mortuaries in Imo State have triggered calls for an independent investigation by the Southeast Human Rights Bureau (SEHRB).
The rights group is asking the Imo State Government, Nigeria Police Force and hospital authorities to explain the origin of the bodies and the circumstances surrounding their deaths, particularly at Ngor Okpala General Hospital and Mbieri General Hospital.
SEHRB said video footage circulating publicly reportedly showed the movement of large numbers of bodies, with some appearing to have deteriorated to skeletal remains. The group said the reports raised questions about how long the bodies had been kept, where the deceased came from and what happened before their deaths.
The organisation wants authorities to establish whether the individuals died while receiving treatment at the hospitals or were brought to the facilities after death. It also requested details of admission, treatment, death and transfer records that could help establish the identities of the deceased.
Questions have also been raised about the removal of the bodies. SEHRB wants authorities to identify who authorised the movement, where the remains were taken and the reason for the transfer. It has called for mortuary registers, medical files, police records, death certificates, CCTV footage and other relevant evidence to be preserved.
The rights group also wants independent forensic experts involved where necessary, including examinations capable of establishing identities and causes of death. It said families whose missing relatives could be among the unidentified bodies should be given credible information.
SEHRB linked its concerns to longstanding allegations of unlawful killings, enforced disappearances and other human rights violations in parts of Imo State. However, it stressed that such allegations should not be treated as proven without evidence and called for an investigation capable of establishing the facts.
The organisation warned that further movement or disposal of the remains could compromise potential evidence. It urged authorities to prevent the bodies from being secretly buried, cremated or otherwise interfered with before proper identification and forensic examination, saying every deceased person deserves dignity and families have a right to know what happened to their relatives.
