Chief of Naval Staff Launches Investigation into Missing Corpse at Navy Mortuary in Delta

The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla has commenced an investigation into the disappearance of the corpse of late Joseph Ighorhiohwunu, a 78-year-old man, from the Nigerian Navy Hospital mortuary in Effurun, Delta State.

The family of the deceased, led by human rights activist Comrade Ighorhiohwunu Aghogho, had petitioned the Chief of Naval Staff via a petition dated 27th February 2025 requesting an urgent investigation into the matter. 

The Petition duly acknowledged by the office of the chief of Naval Staff stated in parts,"We write to bring to your attention a disturbing incident involving the disappearance of a corpse from the Nigerian Navy Hospital mortuary in Effurun, Delta State. The corpse, belonging to my late father, Joseph Ighorhiohwunu , was deposited at the Nigerian Navy Hospital Effurun mortuary on November 21, 2024 and duly witnessed and signed for by my siblings to wit: Mr. Omokiniovo Ighorhiohwunu,Mr. Duke Ighorhiohwunu respectively."

It stated further, "We request that you take immediate action to:(1)Investigate the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of the corpse.(2)Identify those responsible for the disappearance and take necessary disciplinary actions

(3)Assist the family in locating the corpse and ensuring its safe return for proper burial"

"We also bring to your attention the involvement of the Nigerian Army in this matter, which is within the police jurisdiction. We urge you to ensure that the Navy Hospital cooperates fully with the police investigation and that any personnel found culpable are held accountable."

"We further bring to your knowledge the operation of illegal cementary at No.127 Urhu-Egbe Street, Okpara-Inland,Ethiope East LGA of Delta State where they are planning to bury the missing corpse alongside other buried corpses in our absence to perpetuate ritualism and cultism"

"We trust that you will treat this matter with the seriousness it deserves and take prompt action to resolve the issue",It added.

Recall, despite the Navy Hospital's denial of any wrongdoing, the family believes a thorough investigation is necessary to uncover the truth. The Chief of Naval Staff has been requested to investigate the circumstances surrounding the disappearance, identify those responsible, and assist the family in locating the corpse for proper burial.

The Nigerian Navy Hospital, Effurun in a response letter dated 18/2/2025 with reference A; HCI/FR/32/2024 denied the allegations leveled against it. 

The Navy response letter signed by Surgeon Leutenant, LI Ogo on behalf of the Commander and referenced to the Delta State High Court read thus,"I am directed to respond to your service of a court document listing this Hospital as the 10th respondent identified by Suit number at Reference A."

The investigation will also look into the alleged involvement of the Nigerian Army in the matter, as well as reports of an illegal cemetery operating in Delta State, where the missing corpse may be buried.

The family has expressed their trust in the Chief of Naval Staff to treat the matter with the seriousness it deserves and take prompt action to resolve the issue.

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