Iniubong Umoren’s Family Denies Organ Harvesting Claims

The family of the late Iniubong Umoren, a 26-year-old Philosophy graduate from the University of Uyo, has strongly refuted claims circulating online that her organs were harvested following her brutal murder in April 2021. This comes after a viral video surfaced in which Dr. Sandra Duru, also known as Prof Mgbeke, made allegations that Senator Godswill Akpabio was involved in the death of Umoren, and that her organs were harvested after she was murdered.

Iniubong Umoren was killed on April 29, 2021, by Uduak Abasi Frank Akpan, who lured her under the pretense of a job interview. Akpan was later convicted of rape and murder and sentenced to death by the Akwa Ibom State High Court in August 2022.

In response to the recent claims, the Umoren family issued a statement rejecting the allegations as “outrageous” and “deeply hurtful.” They clarified that during the autopsy conducted on the deceased, all internal organs were confirmed to be intact, and there was no evidence of organ harvesting.

Ifiok Ephraim Umoren, the eldest sister of the late Iniubong, expressed disbelief over the viral claim, stating, “How can someone claim that my sister’s organs were harvested when I was right there during the autopsy?” She emphasized that the family has been through a lot, and such false accusations only add to their pain.

The family has called for an end to the spread of such rumors, stressing that they are already grieving the loss of their beloved sister and do not need further harm caused by baseless claims. They have also reaffirmed their faith in the justice process, as the murderer, Akpan, was convicted and sentenced.

“This accusation is not only false but dishonours the memory of my sister and retraumatizes our family.”

“After her death, the police took the body for autopsy at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital. I was present. No organ was missing,” she said.

Supporting her statement,  Akwa Ibom Director of Public Prosecution, Mr. Friday Johnson Itim, described the crime as a solitary act committed by Uduak Abasi, who attacked Iniubong after she refused to have unprotected sex.

“He killed her in anger, buried her in a shallow grave, and fled. His arrest was facilitated by his family and the local government chairman,” Itim said.

Mr. Abdullah added that the allegation of organ harvesting had no basis in court proceedings.

“Neither prosecution nor defense ever mentioned Senator Akpabio in connection with the case. The certified autopsy report is publicly accessible and confirms that all internal organs were intact.”