Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recorded a breakthrough in its investigation into the unlawful exhumation of a freshly buried corpse and the theft of a casket at a cemetery in Uyo, with the arrest of two suspects, including the cemetery manager.
Police have also intensified efforts to apprehend a third suspect who remains at large.
A statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, Akwa Ibom state police command, DSP Timfon John, said the incident was uncovered on August 3, 2026, at about 11:30 p.m., following a distress call from a vigilant resident who observed two men transporting a casket on an unregistered motorcycle under the cover of darkness. Suspicious of their actions, the complainant confronted the suspects to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the movement of the casket at such an unusual hour.
On noticing they had been discovered, one of the suspects was said to have fled the scene, while his accomplice was apprehended and immediately handed over to the Police.
“During interrogation, Nsikak Effiong confessed that he and his accomplice had unlawfully exhumed a freshly buried corpse, removed the body from the casket, and stolen the casket with the intention of selling it for financial gain,” the police stated.
The police recovered the stolen empty casket and the unregistered motorcycle used in conveying it.
Investigators immediately expanded the probe to uncover the full circumstances surrounding the crime and identify all those involved.
“Further investigations led to another significant breakthrough on August 5, 2026, at about 5:00 p.m., with the arrest of Elijah Matthew Edet, the Manager of Mbiokporo Cemetery. During questioning, the suspect admitted to conspiring with the grave diggers in committing the offence, claiming it was his first involvement in such criminal activity,” the police command added.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Azare, condemned the act, describing it as barbaric, sacrilegious, morally reprehensible, and a gross violation of the dignity of the dead, the sanctity of burial grounds, and the cultural and religious values of society.
“The commissioner directed that the investigation be thorough, intelligence-driven, and professionally handled to ensure that every individual connected to the crime is identified, arrested, and prosecuted in accordance with the law. He reiterated that the Command would not tolerate any act that desecrates human dignity or undermines public confidence in the rule of law.
“CP Azare also commended the vigilance, courage, and civic responsibility displayed by the complainant, whose timely intervention and report were instrumental in foiling the suspects’ attempt to escape with the stolen casket. He urged residents to remain security conscious and continue providing timely and credible information to the Police, emphasizing that effective policing is best achieved through active community partnership,” the PPRO said.
The Command stated that investigations are ongoing, while efforts have been intensified to apprehend the fleeing suspect.
It reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property, maintaining public order, and ensuring that everyone connected to this heinous crime is brought to justice.
