Family of Late Iniubong Umoren Breaks Silence: ‘No Organs Were Harvested – It’s A Hurtful Lie’

 

The family of Iniubong Umoren, the young woman whose tragic and brutal murder shocked the nation in 2021, has come forward to strongly deny circulating rumors that her organs were harvested after her death.

Iniubong, a 26-year-old graduate of Philosophy from the University of Uyo, met a horrific end on April 29, 2021, after falling victim to a deceptive job interview set up by Uduak Abasi Frank Akpan. What was supposed to be a hopeful step toward employment turned into a deadly trap. Akpan lured Iniubong under the pretense of offering her a job, only to assault and murder her in cold blood.

The case quickly gained national attention, sparking outrage across Nigeria and bringing renewed calls for better protection for young women, especially those seeking employment.

After a thorough investigation and court proceedings, Uduak Abasi Frank Akpan was found guilty of rape and murder. On August 4, 2022, the Akwa Ibom State High Court sentenced him to death, describing his crime as a “solitary act of violence.”

Akpan

The Shocking Viral Allegation

Fast forward to 2024, a disturbing claim began to circulate online, stirring up fresh pain for the Umoren family. In a now-viral video, a woman identified as Dr. Sandra Duru, also known by the alias Prof Mgbeke, alleged that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central) had informed her that Senator Godswill Akpabio was responsible for Iniubong Umoren’s death and that he had her organs harvested.

This sensational and baseless claim spread quickly on social media, dragging the names of prominent Nigerian politicians into a case that had long been closed by the legal system. The family of Iniubong Umoren, however, was quick to respond.

They condemned the allegations as “outrageous” and “deeply hurtful”, emphasizing that the claims are completely false and dishonor the memory of their beloved daughter and sister.

‘I Was There During the Autopsy’ – Sister Speaks Out

In a recent interview with The Punch, Iniubong’s elder sister, Ifiok Ephraim Umoren, expressed shock and heartbreak over the rumors being spread about her sister’s remains.

“How can someone claim that my sister’s organs were harvested when I was right there during the autopsy?” she said, visibly distressed by the false claims.

She continued:

“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.”

This statement puts to rest the speculation and conspiracy theories being spread online. According to Ifiok, every step of the process was handled with transparency and in her presence, leaving no room for the kind of sinister plot being claimed in the video.

Legal Authorities Also Dismiss Rumors

Backing up the family’s statement is the Akwa Ibom State Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Mr. Friday Johnson Itim, who also spoke on the matter. He confirmed that the crime was the act of a lone individual – Uduak Abasi Frank Akpan – and no evidence of organ harvesting or involvement of any politician ever came up during investigations or the court trial.

In his words:

“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.”

According to Mr. Itim, the motive for the murder was personal and driven by rage. Uduak reportedly attacked Iniubong after she refused to have unprotected sex with him. This ultimately led to her death, not any conspiracy involving organ trade or political figures.

Autopsy Report Confirms Organs Were Intact

Another key voice that added clarity to the matter was Mr. Abdullah, also involved in the prosecution. He explained that throughout the legal proceedings, at no point was Senator Akpabio ever mentioned, either by the prosecution or the defense.

“Neither prosecution nor defense ever mentioned Senator Akpabio in connection with the case,” he stated.

“The certified autopsy report is publicly accessible and confirms that all internal organs were intact.”

This public record further disproves the claim made by Dr. Sandra Duru and reinforces the fact that Iniubong’s death, though deeply tragic, was the result of one man’s actions – not an organized or politically driven crime.

Conclusion: Let the Dead Rest in Peace

The Umoren family is now pleading with the public to stop spreading misinformation that only worsens their grief and reopens old wounds.

False rumors not only bring pain to the victims' loved ones but also distract from the real issues at the heart of the matter – justice, safety for young Nigerian women, and accountability for violent crimes.

It’s important to remember that Iniubong Umoren was a real person – a brilliant young woman full of hope and dreams. Her life was cruelly cut short by a predator, and justice has already been served through the courts.

As her sister said, these claims are not just lies – they dishonor her memory.

NaijaRush joins the family and concerned Nigerians in calling for respect, truth, and responsible reporting, especially when it concerns victims of such tragic events.

Let Iniubong Umoren rest in peace. Let us not use her name to chase clout, spread baseless allegations, or fuel political drama.