More than 15 months after the death of Mrs Nkechi Florence Elijah, her remains are yet to be laid to rest as a protracted dispute between her husband and members of their community over an autopsy continues to stall her burial.

Mrs Elijah died on April 9, 2025, at Umuzomgbo, Ihechiowa, in Arochukwu Local Council of Abia State.

Since then, efforts to bury her have been overshadowed by allegations, counter-allegations and a disagreement over the circumstances surrounding her death.

Her husband, Elijah Ndubuisi Amah, told journalists in Umuahia that attempts to bury his late wife have repeatedly been frustrated by some members of the community, who insist that an autopsy must first be conducted to establish the cause of her death.

According to him, the demand stems from suspicions in some quarters that he may have been responsible for his wife’s death.

Amah alleged that the traditional ruler of the community, Eze Linus Nto Mba, supported the call for an autopsy.

He, however, said his late wife’s family opposed the procedure, arguing that it would involve cutting or mutilating her body and prevent her from being buried intact in accordance with their beliefs.

Amah further claimed that despite obtaining a court judgment permitting the burial of his wife, he has continued to face obstacles.

He said the dispute had also resulted in his arrest and detention at different times in Umuahia and Abuja.

He appealed to the Abia State Government, the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant authorities to intervene and ensure that his wife is given a peaceful burial.

Responding to the allegations, Eze Linus Nto Mba denied preventing the burial or accusing Amah of killing his wife.

The traditional ruler accused Amah of attempting to tarnish his reputation and insisted that the community merely reported the matter to the police after advising him to do so himself.

According to the monarch, the police detained Amah while investigations were ongoing and pending the conduct of an autopsy.

Eze Nto Mba also rejected Amah’s claim that financial constraints delayed the procedure, stating that funds for the autopsy had already been provided.

He alleged that when the police later invited Amah for the exercise, he failed to honour the invitation.

He maintained that the matter remains under police investigation and that Mrs Elijah’s remains have not been released because the exact cause of her death has yet to be determined.

The monarch urged journalists and other interested parties to seek clarification from community leaders and warned that legal action could be taken against anyone who publishes unverified reports on the incident.