The Okammelu family in Nigeria has expressed dissatisfaction with the police report on the disappearance of their late brother's corpse. They have petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) for a supplementary investigation into the incident. According to the family's lawyer, Joseph Ofor, the report released by the IGP's Intelligence Response Team (IGP-IRT) contains material omissions, inconsistencies, and investigative gaps. The family is seeking a thorough review of the findings and further investigation into the matter.
The controversy began when the Okammelu family reported the disappearance of their late brother's corpse. The IGP-IRT investigated the case and released a report that acknowledged possible criminal conspiracy and systemic failures. However, the report recommended prosecuting only one person, which the family found unacceptable. They argued that the investigation did not thoroughly examine alleged administrative and operational negligence and did not properly handle financial records, call data records, and other documentary evidence.
The family's lawyer, Joseph Ofor, wrote a letter to the IGP on July 6, 2026, on behalf of Chief Osita Okammelu, the complainant. The letter highlighted the gaps in the report and urged the IGP to review the findings and order further investigations. The family maintained that a comprehensive investigation would establish the facts and ensure justice for all parties without fear or favor. They emphasized the need to resolve critical questions about the disappearance, including the chain of custody of the deceased's corpse and institutional responsibility.
The Okammelu family questioned the recommendation for immediate prosecution despite outstanding aspects of the investigation. They argued that the report failed to establish the roles of other listed suspects and resolve critical questions about the disappearance. The family also expressed concerns about the handling of the case, citing alleged unlawful release and disappearance of the corpse.
The IGP-IRT report had investigated the matter and released its findings, but the Okammelu family was not satisfied with the outcome. They accused investigators of failing to examine alleged administrative and operational negligence thoroughly. The family also questioned the handling of financial records, call data records, and other documentary evidence.
Chief Osita Okammelu said his legal team had prepared a detailed analysis of the gaps in the report. He urged the IGP to review the findings and order further investigations. The family's petition to the IGP seeks a supplementary investigation into the matter, with particular attention to the issues highlighted. The Okammelu family hopes that a thorough investigation will bring justice and closure to the case.
The case has raised concerns about the police investigation process and the need for transparency and accountability. The Okammelu family's petition to the IGP highlights the challenges faced by families seeking justice in Nigeria. The IGP's response to the petition is awaited, and it remains to be seen whether a supplementary investigation will be conducted.
Key points
- The Okammelu family has petitioned the IGP for a supplementary investigation into the disappearance of their late brother's corpse.
- The family faults the police report, citing material omissions, inconsistencies, and investigative gaps.
- The family's petition seeks a thorough review of the findings and further investigation into the matter.
