A disturbing revelation surrounding the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Umuahia mortuary has ignited public outrage and renewed concerns over the treatment of deceased persons in Nigeria’s public health institutions.
The controversy follows the death of Mr. Solomon Harry, whose case has exposed what a rights advocacy group describes as “systemic rot, negligence, and inhumane practices” at the FMC Umuahia morgue. Allegations include severe neglect of corpses, advanced decomposition, and the reported mutilation of the deceased body while in the hospital’s custody.
According to a statement issued by Hon. Amb. Jonathan David Okwudiri, National President of the Royal Friends Rights Advocacy, Development and Empowerment Foundation, the morgue has degenerated into an environment devoid of dignity, respect, and basic professional standards.
Shocking Visit to the Morgue
Hon. Okwudiri disclosed that on December 22, 2025, he personally visited the FMC Umuahia morgue following complaints from the family of the deceased. What he encountered, he said, was both alarming and unacceptable.
“Over 30 corpses were found in various advanced stages of decay, abandoned without proper preservation, care, or monitoring,” the statement read.
The rights group alleged that the morgue, which should serve as a place of dignity and respect for the dead, has instead become a site of gross neglect. In the specific case of Mr. Solomon Harry, the foundation claimed that his eyes were allegedly removed and his body mutilated while in the hospital’s care — a claim that has intensified calls for urgent investigation.
Allegations of Inhumane Treatment
The foundation accused staff of the medical centre of treating human remains “as mere objects rather than bodies deserving respect,” describing the conduct as deeply troubling and morally indefensible.
The situation, according to the group, reflects a wider breakdown in oversight, accountability, and ethical standards within the facility. It further accused the Federal Ministry of Health of failing in its supervisory responsibility.
“The condition of the morgue is a direct reflection of lack of oversight and accountability,” the statement noted, stressing that personnel entrusted with such sensitive duties must be of sound character and properly trained.
Call for Accountability and Reform
Describing the incident as a “wake-up call,” the Royal Friends Rights Advocacy Foundation urged immediate action by relevant authorities to prevent a recurrence and restore public confidence in the healthcare system.
The group issued the following recommendations:
1. Immediate Investigation:
The Federal Ministry of Health should launch an urgent and comprehensive investigation into the operations of the FMC Umuahia mortuary and apply disciplinary measures where misconduct is established.
2. Facility Upgrade and Training:
The management of FMC Umuahia should urgently improve morgue conditions and ensure staff receive proper training on ethical and professional handling of corpses.
3. Adequate Funding and Welfare:
Government should provide sufficient funding to upgrade mortuary facilities and ensure staff are paid a living wage to reduce vulnerability to corruption and misconduct.
Evidence Submitted
The foundation disclosed that photographs documenting Mr. Solomon Harry’s condition — before admission, during hospital care, and while in the morgue — are available and form part of the evidence backing their claims.
Growing Public Concern
The revelations have heightened concerns among civil society groups and citizens over the state of public healthcare infrastructure and the treatment of both living patients and the dead.
Rights advocates insist that beyond infrastructure, the issue speaks to human dignity and moral responsibility.
“The dignity of the deceased must be respected. Those responsible for inhumane treatment must be held accountable,” the statement concluded.
As of the time of filing this report, the management of the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, and the Federal Ministry of Health had not issued an official response to the allegations.
Chronicles Reporters will continue to monitor developments and bring updates as investigations unfold.