Authorities in Edo State have detained a mortuary worker following accusations of organ removal from a body at Aigbe mortuary on Akugbe Street in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area.
The family of the deceased man discovered the alleged crime when preparing the body for burial. An unusual smell prompted closer inspection, which revealed that internal organs had apparently been taken and the abdominal cavity filled with cellophane materials.
Upon making the discovery during the lying-in-state ceremony, relatives interrupted funeral proceedings and returned the remains to the facility. The incident sparked outrage, with an irate mob attacking the mortuary premises. Other families with loved ones at the facility quickly moved their deceased relatives to alternative locations.
Video footage that emerged online showed the body with a chest opening and cellophane being extracted from the cavity.
Police spokesperson Eno Ikoedem confirmed that officers responded to a distress call and apprehended the suspect. An investigation into the matter is currently underway.
