Amnesty International Nigeria has demanded an urgent explanation from the Imo State Government and relevant authorities over reports that hundreds of unidentified bodies are being removed from mortuaries in the state and taken to undisclosed locations.
The organisation, in a statement issued on Saturday, August 22, 2026, said it was deeply concerned by reports of bodies being moved from facilities including Ngor Okpala General Hospital, while additional bodies had reportedly been sighted at Mbieri General Hospital.
Amnesty said videos obtained by the organisation showed bodies being moved at night, with many appearing to be in advanced stages of decomposition or skeletal remains.
The rights organisation called on the authorities to immediately establish the identities and causes of death of the deceased and explain how and when the bodies came to be in the mortuaries.
“Imo State Government and relevant authorities must immediately account for all the bodies, establish their identities and causes of death, and explain when, where and how they came to be in the mortuaries and where they are now being taken,” said Isa Sanusi, Director of Amnesty International Nigeria.
Sanusi also demanded the preservation of all relevant evidence, including the bodies, mortuary records and medical documentation, warning against any action that could compromise investigations.
“Allegations that some of the deceased may have been victims of unlawful killings during security operations in Imo State must be promptly, independently and impartially investigated,” he said.
Amnesty seeks forensic examinations
Amnesty International urged the authorities to ensure that all the bodies are properly identified and subjected to appropriate forensic examinations, including autopsies where necessary.
The organisation also called for families of the deceased to be promptly notified and given relevant information concerning their relatives.
It warned that no body or evidence connected to the cases should be concealed, destroyed, disposed of or otherwise interfered with.
The rights group further demanded investigations into anyone suspected of responsibility for unlawful killings or other human rights violations, with prosecution in fair proceedings where sufficient admissible evidence exists.
“The families of those who died or disappeared have a right to know what happened to their loved ones. The authorities must act urgently to establish the truth, preserve evidence and ensure justice and accountability,” Amnesty International said.
The organisation’s demand comes amid growing concern over the circumstances surrounding the unidentified bodies and calls for transparency, proper forensic investigation and accountability from the relevant authorities.
