Tension has engulfed a family in Delta State following the mysterious disappearance of their 78-year-old father’s corpse from the mortuary of the Nigerian Navy Hospital, Effurun, in Uvwie Local Government Area.

The family, led by human rights activist Ighorhiohwunu Aghogho, has filed a formal petition with the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ekpan, CSP Aliyu Shaba, demanding an urgent investigation into the matter.

How the Corpse Went Missing

According to reports, two children of the deceased, Mr. Omokiniovo Ighorhiohwunu and Mr. Duke Ighorhiohwunu, had deposited their father’s body at the hospital mortuary on November 21, 2024. The family insists that they completed all formalities and signed the necessary documents when leaving the body in the hospital’s care.

However, when the family later sought to retrieve the corpse for burial, it was nowhere to be found.

In his petition to the police, Aghogho expressed the family’s shock and distress over the sudden disappearance, calling for an urgent investigation.

“We are shocked and distressed by the sudden disappearance of our father’s corpse and urge you (the police) to investigate this matter urgently,” the petition read.

The activist further requested that authorities:

• Investigate the circumstances surrounding the disappearance.
• Identify those responsible for the missing corpse.
• Ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.
• Assist the family in locating their father’s body and returning it for proper burial.

Nigerian Navy Hospital Denies Allegations

In response to the allegations, the management of the Nigerian Navy Hospital, Effurun, denied any involvement in the disappearance of the corpse.

In a letter referenced A: HCI/FR/32/2024 and filed at the Registry of the High Court of Justice, Isiokolo, the hospital refuted the claims, stating that there is no record of the deceased in their facility.

The letter, signed by Lt. Ogo on behalf of the hospital commander, reads:
“Following a review of our records, I am to respectfully inform you that there is no deceased person registered under the referenced in our facility.”

The hospital assured the public of its commitment to professionalism, distancing itself from the allegations.

Army and Police Step In Amid Escalating Dispute

As the case unfolds, the Nigerian Army’s 3 Battalion, Effurun, has reportedly taken up the matter following a petition against Aghogho, who had earlier claimed that the corpse disappeared from the Navy Hospital mortuary.

A female military police officer, Ruth John, confirmed that Aghogho has been invited by the Army for questioning over the matter.

Meanwhile, the Divisional Police Headquarters in Ovwian, Udu Local Government Area, has launched a separate investigation into the possible involvement of military personnel in the case, asserting that the matter falls within police jurisdiction.

Ongoing Investigations and Search for Justice

With multiple agencies now involved—the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Army, and the Delta State Police Command—the case has taken on new dimensions, raising questions about the whereabouts of the missing corpse and potential institutional negligence or foul play.

As the investigation continues, the family remains determined to uncover the truth and recover their father’s remains for a proper burial. The police and military authorities have yet to provide further updates on the case.