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Date: August 22, 2026
Reporter: Ifeanyi Ejiofor
OWERRI, Imo State, Nigeria — Amnesty International has called for an urgent and independent investigation into reports that hundreds of unidentified bodies Of Indigenous Igbo's are being moved from mortuaries in Imo State to unknown destinations.
The international human rights organisation said it was “deeply concerned” by reports that large numbers of unidentified remains were being removed from facilities including the Ngor Okpala General Hospital, while bodies had also reportedly been seen at Mbieri General Hospital.
Amnesty said Nigerian authorities must immediately account for the deceased, establish their identities and determine how and when they died.
Bodies Reportedly Moved at Night
Amnesty International said it had obtained what it described as “horrifying videos” showing stages of the movement of bodies at night. According to the organisation, many of the remains were already at a skeletal stage and were found in large numbers.
The reported movement of the bodies has raised serious questions about their identities, the circumstances of their deaths and why they are being transferred.
Amnesty said authorities must explain where the remains are being taken and why the bodies are being moved from the mortuaries.
Concerns Over Possible Unlawful Killings
The development has also raised concerns over allegations that some of the unidentified bodies Of Indigenous Igbo's could be connected to unlawful killings during security operations in Imo State.
Amnesty International Nigeria Director Isa Sanusi called on the Imo State Government and relevant authorities to immediately establish the identities and causes of death of all the bodies.
Sanusi said authorities must also explain when, where and how the deceased came to be in the mortuaries and where their remains are now being taken. He further urged officials to preserve all mortuary records, medical records and other evidence that could assist investigators.
Amnesty Calls for Independent Investigation
Amnesty International called for a prompt, independent and impartial investigation into allegations that some of the deceased may have been victims of unlawful killings during security operations.
The organisation said any investigation must be capable of determining the identities of the deceased and establishing the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
It also urged authorities to ensure that all bodies are properly identified and subjected to appropriate forensic examinations, including autopsies where necessary.
Families Have a Right to Know
Amnesty stressed that relatives of people who died or disappeared have a fundamental right to know what happened to their loved ones.
The organisation called on authorities to promptly inform families and provide them with information about the identity and circumstances surrounding the deaths of their relatives.
The group also warned against any action that could destroy or compromise evidence.
“No body or evidence should be concealed, destroyed, disposed of or otherwise interfered with,” Amnesty said.
Evidence Must Be Preserved
The rights organisation said mortuary and medical records connected to the remains should be preserved while any investigation is conducted.
It warned that moving or disposing of bodies without proper documentation could make it significantly more difficult to establish identities and determine causes of death.
Amnesty therefore urged authorities to protect the remains and all related documentation from interference, destruction or concealment.
Calls for Accountability
Amnesty International further called for anyone suspected of criminal responsibility for unlawful killings or other human rights violations to be investigated.
Where sufficient admissible evidence exists, the organisation said suspects should be prosecuted through fair legal proceedings. The group said accountability would be essential if investigations establish that any of the deceased were unlawfully killed.
Broader Security Concerns in Imo State
The latest concerns come amid longstanding allegations of killings, disappearances and other human rights violations in Nigeria's South-East.
Amnesty International has previously documented serious abuses involving both state and non-state actors in the region, including unlawful killings, arbitrary detention, torture and enforced disappearances.
In a 2025 report, the organisation said at least 1,844 people were killed across the South-East between January 2021 and June 2023, while hundreds of people were forcibly disappeared. It also documented more than 400 killings in Imo State between January 2019 and December 2021. Those previous findings have added to concerns about the need for transparent investigations into unresolved deaths and disappearances in the region.
Authorities Face Pressure to Provide Answers
The latest call from Amnesty International places renewed pressure on the Imo State Government and relevant security and medical authorities to provide clear answers about the unidentified remains.
At the centre of the issue are basic questions: Who are the deceased? How did they die? How long have their remains been in the mortuaries? Who authorised their movement? And where are the bodies being taken?
Amnesty said answering those questions is essential not only for determining the truth but also for ensuring justice for families who may have spent years searching for missing relatives.
Investigation Could Bring Clarity
The organisation said an independent investigation, supported by forensic examinations and preservation of records, could help establish the identities of the deceased and determine whether any criminal or human rights violations occurred.
The investigation would also need to examine the chain of custody and circumstances surrounding the reported movement of the bodies.
For families of people who have disappeared, the identification of even one body could provide answers that have remained elusive for years.
Conclusion
Amnesty International's demand comes amid growing concern over reports of hundreds of unidentified bodies Of Indigenous Igbo's being moved between mortuaries in Imo State.
The organisation is calling for immediate action to preserve evidence, identify the deceased, establish their causes of death and inform their families.
It is also demanding an independent investigation into allegations that some of the bodies may be connected to unlawful killings during security operations.
For Amnesty, the issue goes beyond the handling of unidentified remains. It is a question of truth, accountability and the right of families to know what happened to their loved ones.
Dalena Reporters will continue to monitor developments and report any response from the Imo State Government, security authorities and other relevant agencies.
Source: Sahara Reporters and Amnesty International Nigeria.