Delta Surveyor Seeks Justice Over Father’s Missing Corpse

A Nigerian surveyor, Emmanuel Erhioyovwe Ighorhiohwunu, has petitioned the Attorney-General of the Federation over alleged misconduct by senior police officers in Delta State. The petition concerns the mysterious death and disappearance of his father’s corpse.

The dispute is central to an ongoing case at the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice. Ighorhiohwunu accuses three senior officers of interfering with this international court case.

Officers Named in Petition
The petition names CSP Labe Joseph, CSP Omosetemi Agbede-Zuokumor, and ACP Aliyu Shaba. They are accused of aiding an unlawful burial and obstructing justice in the matter of the missing corpse.

The case, Suit No: ECW/CCJ/APP/38/25, involves the death and disappearance of Joseph Ighorhiohwunu. It includes allegations of ritual activities and an illegal cemetery in Delta State.

Details of the Case
Joseph Ighorhiohwunu died on November 21, 2024, after treatment at a local hospital. His remains were reportedly transferred, but the Nigerian Navy Hospital later denied having the corpse. Police investigations in Ekpan, Ugborikoko, and Ughelli have failed to locate the body nearly a year later.

As detailed in the complete version, there are several key factors to consider.

Despite the active investigation and pending ECOWAS court case, individuals announced a burial for October 25, 2025. The petitioner claims the named police officers supervised burial preparations instead of securing the scene.

Legal Actions and Violations
The applicant had already filed a Motion on Notice for Interim Measures at the ECOWAS Court. This motion seeks to restrain any burial pending the suit’s determination. The officers’ actions are described as an abuse of office and contempt of the court.

Ighorhiohwunu warns these actions contravene the Revised ECOWAS Treaty and the African Charter. This could expose Nigeria to contempt proceedings before the regional court.

Calls for Action
The petition urges the AGF to order an immediate investigation into the officers’ conduct. It also demands the Inspector-General of Police suspend the planned burial. The petitioner emphasizes this is not a family dispute but involves suspected ritual killing and international justice.

The case highlights serious concerns over the disappearance of the corpse and the integrity of the ECOWAS court process. The petition was copied to the Chief Registrar of the ECOWAS Court for further action.