The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has exhumed the body of a 26-year-old man, Nsikak Joshua, and arrested four suspects over his alleged murder in Nsit Ibom Local Government Area of the state.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, said the case was reported to the police on July 14, 2026, by the victim’s 52-year-old father, who alleged that his only son was beaten to death by four men identified as Otobong Nelson (popularly known as ‘Efok Ikid’), Inemesit Robert, Utibe Clement and Victor Robert.
According to the police, the father alleged that after Joshua died, the suspects took his body to the family compound, forced him to choose a burial spot, dug a shallow grave and buried the corpse before threatening him not to report the incident to the authorities.
Following the report, detectives launched an investigation and arrested Otobong Nelson and Utibe Clement, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspects.
During interrogation, Nelson reportedly confessed that the deceased had been invited over allegations that he threatened a neighbour with a machete.
He allegedly admitted ordering the other suspects to assault Joshua with sticks, an attack that eventually led to his death.
Police further said the suspects confessed to taking the victim’s body to his father’s residence and falsely claiming he died in a hit-and-run accident. They allegedly discouraged the family from taking the body to a mortuary before burying him in a shallow grave.
Following police intervention, the victim’s remains were exhumed and deposited at the morgue for preservation and an autopsy.
Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, described the alleged killing as barbaric and unacceptable.
“Everyone found to have participated in the alleged conspiracy, assault, murder, intimidation of witnesses or concealment of evidence will be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law,” the police commissioner said.
The command assured residents that investigations are ongoing and that all those connected to the incident would face justice.
