Family Seeks Fresh Probe into Missing Corpse at Anambra Hospital

By: Michael Mike

The family of a deceased engineer whose corpse allegedly disappeared from a mortuary in Anambra State has asked the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to order a supplementary investigation into the incident, citing omissions and inconsistencies in the police report.

The family, through its lawyer, Mr Joseph Offor, said the investigation into the disappearance of Chukwunweike Okammelu’s body from the mortuary of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Teaching Hospital, Amaku, Awka, had left critical questions unanswered.

In a letter dated July 6 and addressed to the IGP, Offor, counsel to Chief Osita Okammelu, urged the police chief to review the investigation and direct further inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of the corpse.

The petition was also copied to the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department, Abuja.

Offor said the matter was referred to the IGP following the family’s complaint, after which it was assigned to the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) for investigation.

He said the IRT had concluded its investigation and issued a report, but his client identified material omissions, inconsistencies and investigative gaps that, he argued, undermined the completeness, fairness and credibility of the findings.

According to him, the report acknowledged the possibility of criminal conspiracy and systemic failures but recommended the prosecution of only the mortician, Mr Clement Ogbonna.

He further alleged that the report acknowledged that significant aspects of the investigation remained outstanding while simultaneously recommending immediate prosecution.

Offor said the findings also identified serious administrative and operational negligence without adequately investigating or recommending appropriate action against all persons who might bear criminal responsibility.

He added that the investigators relied on financial records, call data records and other documentary exhibits without making comprehensive findings from the evidence.

The lawyer said critical questions concerning the chain of custody of the corpse, the roles of other listed suspects, institutional responsibility and the circumstances surrounding the alleged unlawful release and disappearance of the body remained unresolved.

Following the disappearance, the family had reported the matter to the police and raised concerns about what it described as the unprofessional conduct and poor handling of the case by the hospital management.

Offor alleged that, rather than adequately addressing the incident, the hospital leadership relied on what the family described as “spurious narratives and falsehoods” attributed to the mortician.

“Our client has accordingly prepared a detailed analysis identifying these gaps and respectfully demonstrating why he believes the investigation requires further review,” he said.

He urged the IGP to direct a supplementary investigation, with particular attention to the issues outlined in a memorandum accompanying the petition.

“Our client firmly believes that a thorough and comprehensive investigation will ensure that truth is fully uncovered and that justice is done to all parties without fear or favour,” Offor said.

Family Seeks Fresh Probe into Missing Corpse at Anambra Hospital

Presidential Campaign: Zulum Calls for Strategic Mobilisation

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has called for effective coordination and strategic engagement among members of the Contact and Mobilisation Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council.

Zulum made the call on Tuesday at a meeting of the committee in Abuja where he urged members to demonstrate commitment to their responsibilities and work together to deliver on its mandate.

Zulum, who serves as Coordinating Director, Contact and Mobilisation, said the committee was responsible for coordinating the activities of its various units and groups in line with directives from the APC national leadership.

He stated that its central assignment was to work towards the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.

The Governor stressed the importance of holding periodic meetings to review activities, assess progress and develop strategies for engagement and mobilisation.

Governor Zulum also urged members to draw on their collective experience and strengthen consultations to ensure the committee delivers on its mandate.

The meeting was attended by the Deputy Director-General of the Presidential Campaign Council in charge of mobilisation, Senator Adams Oshiomhole; Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Said Ahmad; Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa.

Presidential Campaign: Zulum Calls for Strategic Mobilisation

Great Ife Alumni Begin 11-Day China Retreat, Business Tour

By: Michael Mike

The Great Ife Alumni Association has commenced an 11-day international retreat and business exploratory tour in Guangzhou, China, bringing together more than 55 alumni members to strengthen the association and explore business opportunities.

The biennial retreat, which runs from October 23 to November 2, is part of efforts by the association’s Global Executive Council, led by Dr Leye Bunmi Falode, to reposition the alumni body and its alma mater for greater institutional excellence.

In a statement, the association’s Global Publicity Secretary, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, said the initiative was designed to advance the council’s agenda of placing the association and the institution at the forefront of excellence in all ramifications.

Among the delegation are the Global President, Dr Falode, a solicitor and Notary Public; the Vice-Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Prof. Simeon Bamire; and a former Global President of the association, Engr. Wale Olaleye.

Balogun said no fewer than 55 members of the association had arrived in China for the retreat and business exploratory tour.

The programme combines the association’s biennial retreat with opportunities to explore business prospects in China, potentially opening new avenues for engagement among alumni members and strengthening ties with the international business community.

Great Ife Alumni Begin 11-Day China Retreat, Business Tour