Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Port Harcourt, Rivers State — A Rivers State resident has come forward with a distressing allegation that a private mortuary sold the body of his deceased wife without his consent, compounding his grief and raising serious questions about mortuary practices, legal safeguards and accountability in the handling of human remains. The man’s account reflects mounting frustration among bereaved families who feel vulnerable to unethical conduct amid Nigeria’s often informal mortuary sector.
The husband, identified locally as Mr. Emeka (surname withheld) to protect privacy, says his wife died several weeks ago after a brief illness. According to his narrative, he delivered her remains to a private mortuary in Port Harcourt — the commercial hub of Rivers State — for safekeeping ahead of burial arrangements. The family had reportedly planned a funeral service scheduled for a later date, allowing relatives from outside the state to attend.
Mr. Emeka claims that, unbeknownst to him, the mortuary sold his wife’s body to another family for burial after allegedly informing them that the corpse had been abandoned or unclaimed. He discovered the alleged sale when the other family contacted him to confirm identity details following the burial — a revelation that left him shocked and aggrieved.
In a statement to journalists, the bereaved husband described the mortuary’s action as “inhumane” and “illegal,” saying: “I trusted them with my wife’s body. Instead of safeguarding her until our agreed burial date, they sold her to another family. I feel violated and devastated.” He appealed to authorities to investigate the mortuary and hold those responsible to account.
The allegations, if substantiated, highlight gaps in oversight and regulation of mortuary services in Nigeria, where many facilities operate with minimal supervision and are governed by varied standards. Mortuaries — whether operated by government hospitals, private facilities or faith-based organisations — are expected under Nigerian law and professional codes to protect human remains with dignity and only release them according to documented consent from next-of-kin or legal representatives.
Legal experts note that selling or transferring a corpse without consent may constitute a criminal offence under sections of the Nigerian Criminal Code and Penal Code, depending on jurisdiction, and may also expose responsible parties to civil claims for damages. They emphasise that the body of a deceased person is legally recognised as having special status, and any unauthorised disposal, sale or transfer could attract penalties and professional sanctions.
Efforts to reach the management of the mortuary for comment have not been successful at the time of reporting. Local health authorities in Rivers State have also yet to issue an official statement. However, this case has already drawn attention on social media platforms and among civil society activists concerned about consumer protection in funeral services.
Some residents and advocacy groups have urged the Rivers State Government to establish clearer regulatory frameworks for mortuaries, including mandatory licensing, periodic inspections, transparent record-keeping and defined penalties for misconduct. They argue that such measures could help prevent exploitation of grieving families and restore trust in end-of-life services.
Meanwhile, bereaved families at the mortuary have expressed growing unease, with some saying they worry about the safety of their loved ones’ remains amid reports of questionable practices. Traders and operators in the funeral business have acknowledged that disputes occasionally arise over storage fees and delayed burials, but they stress that selling bodies without consent is unethical and could tarnish the reputation of legitimate service providers.
Community elders and traditional leaders have also weighed in, emphasising cultural norms that require respect for the dead. In many Nigerian communities, burial rites are deeply significant, and violations of traditions governing handling of corpses can exacerbate grief and create social tensions.
Legal advocates recommend that families confronting similar issues should obtain documentation when placing remains in mortuaries, including written agreements detailing expected storage duration, fees, and authorised release instructions. They also advise that any suspected unlawful action be reported promptly to police and relevant regulatory bodies.
As of now, Mr. Emeka is seeking legal counsel to determine his options, including filing a complaint with law enforcement and pursuing civil remedies against the mortuary. His case is likely to attract broader scrutiny as Nigerians demand greater accountability and professional standards in funeral and mortuary services, sectors that have traditionally operated with limited public oversight.
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