Missing Corpse: Okammelu Family Challenges Police Report, Appeals To IGP For Further Investigation

The Okammelu family has appealed to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to order a supplementary investigation into the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of the remains of their late brother, citing alleged omissions and inconsistencies in an earlier police report.

The request was contained in a letter dated July 6, 2026, written by Joseph Ofor, counsel to Chief Osita Okammelu, who had previously petitioned the IGP over the disappearance of his brother’s corpse.

Following the initial petition, the Inspector-General of Police Intelligence Response Team (IGP-IRT) was assigned to investigate the matter and subsequently submitted its findings. However, the family has expressed dissatisfaction with the report, arguing that several critical questions remain unanswered.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the family’s lawyer stated that the investigation report contained material omissions, inconsistencies and gaps that could undermine the completeness, fairness and credibility of the findings.

Among the concerns raised was the report’s alleged recognition of possible criminal conspiracy and systemic failures while recommending the prosecution of only one individual. The family also questioned why prosecution was recommended despite indications that significant aspects of the investigation remained unresolved.

The letter further alleged that the report identified serious administrative and operational negligence without adequately investigating or recommending appropriate action against everyone who might bear criminal responsibility.

Ofor also expressed concern that financial records, call data records and other documentary evidence were referenced without comprehensive findings being drawn from them.

The family’s legal representative said important questions relating to the chain of custody of the deceased’s remains, the involvement of other listed suspects, institutional responsibility and the circumstances surrounding the alleged unauthorised release and subsequent disappearance of the corpse had yet to be satisfactorily addressed.

The letter noted that a detailed analysis of the alleged shortcomings had been prepared to explain why the IGP-IRT report required further examination.

“In the interest of justice, public confidence in the investigative process, and the need to ensure that every person who may bear criminal responsibility is properly investigated, our client requests that your distinguished office be pleased to direct a supplementary investigation into the matter, with particular attention to the issues highlighted,” the letter stated.

The family maintained that a more comprehensive investigation was necessary to establish the facts surrounding the disappearance and determine whether other individuals or institutions had any responsibility.

It also urged the police leadership to ensure that all relevant evidence is properly examined and that anyone found culpable is held accountable in accordance with the law, without fear or favour.