Corpse goes missing from OOUTH morgue, management begins investigation

It was a shocking moment for some relatives when they found out that their deceased relative whose body was deposited at Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu, Ogun State, was missing.

Our correspondent learned that the relatives of the deceased were at the hospital on Friday to collect the remains of the corpse, which had been deposited for burial more than four months ago.

It was further learned that the family had come all the way from Ijebu-Ode to Sagamu with an ambulance and undertakers to collect the female corpse but was found missing.

In response to the development, management of the OUTH expressed concern over the incident describing it as a corpse mix-up at the hospital.

The hospital board noted in a statement from the Chief Medical Director, Dr. Oluwabunmi Fatungase, that it was unraveling the situation.

The statement confirmed that management had received a report that a female corpse was reportedly missing from the OOUTH morgue following the family’s arrival at the hospital to collect the body for burial.

Fatungase said the issue of missing bodies was unprecedented in the hospital morgue.

According to her, the hospital management is working with appropriate agents and individuals to unravel the circumstances behind the confusion.

She noted that closed-circuit camera footage was being evaluated.

She said a high-level investigation was also underway and pleaded for the stricken family’s continued cooperation.

The statement read in part: “Any circumvention of the hospital’s quality assurance will not be taken lightly and appropriate consequences in accordance with public service rules will be applied to anyone found guilty.

“The current government in Ogun State has upgraded the morgue with modern freezers and scaled up facilities.

“Many people have preferred the hospital mortuary service to keep their loved one’s remains intact until they are ready for burial.”

The CMD apologized to the bereaved family for the embarrassing situation and said their cooperation with the ongoing investigation is greatly appreciated.

She assured that the corpse would be quickly identified and released to them for proper burial.