Decomposing Body Found as Police Raid Suspected Kidnappers’ Hideouts in Imo

A decomposing corpse has been discovered by the Imo State Police Command during a coordinated raid on suspected kidnappers’ hideouts in Okuku and Ndegwu communities, both located in Owerri West Local Government Area of the state.

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Henry Okoye, confirmed the discovery, noting that the operation was part of an intensified crackdown by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit aimed at dismantling criminal networks across Imo State.

Okoye said the operation, carried out in collaboration with local vigilante groups, successfully dislodged the kidnappers from their camp, leading to the grim discovery of the corpse at an abandoned livestock farm within the Okuku–Agwa forest. The raid was led by ACP Oladimeji Odeyeyiwa.

According to police reports, the area was cordoned off during the operation. The body has since been evacuated to a morgue for forensic examination, with samples taken for DNA testing to determine if it matches that of Barrister Jeffery Ucheagwu, who was abducted on October 14, 2025, at Site and Services, Umuguma, Owerri West.

“Samples have been obtained by the Command’s Forensic Unit and will be sent for DNA analysis to determine whether they correspond with that of Barrister Jeffery Ucheagwu,” the police statement read.

The police added that the cleared hideout has been placed under 24-hour surveillance to prevent criminal regrouping and assist in further intelligence gathering.

Commissioner of Police Aboki Danjuma praised the operatives for their professionalism and bravery, assuring residents of the Command’s commitment to tackling violent crime and restoring peace to the state.

He also urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with the police by providing credible information that could aid ongoing investigations.