The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested two suspects, including a cemetery manager, over the alleged exhumation of a freshly buried corpse and theft of a casket in Uyo, while launching a manhunt for another suspect who remains on the run.
The police described the incident as a shocking act that violated the dignity of the dead and the sanctity of burial grounds.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, the incident was uncovered on August 3, 2026, at about 11:30 p.m., after a vigilant resident alerted the police upon seeing two men transporting a casket on an unregistered motorcycle under suspicious circumstances.
The resident reportedly confronted the suspects to find out why they were moving a casket late at night.
However, one of the suspects fled immediately after realising they had been discovered, while the second suspect was apprehended and handed over to the police.
During interrogation, the arrested suspect, identified as Nsikak Effiong, allegedly confessed to the crime.
According to the police, he admitted that he and his accomplice had dug up a freshly buried corpse, removed the body from the casket and stolen the empty casket with the intention of selling it for financial gain.
Police operatives later recovered the stolen casket as well as the unregistered motorcycle allegedly used to transport it.
The Command said investigators immediately widened the investigation to uncover everyone connected to the crime.
The investigation later led to another breakthrough on August 5, with the arrest of Elijah Matthew Edet, the Manager of Mbiokporo Cemetery.
According to the police, Edet allegedly admitted during questioning that he conspired with the grave diggers in carrying out the illegal act.
He reportedly claimed it was the first time he had participated in such a crime.
Reacting to the incident, Commissioner of Police Baba Azare strongly condemned the alleged exhumation and casket theft, describing it as barbaric, sacrilegious and morally unacceptable.
He said the act represents a gross violation of the dignity of the deceased, the sanctity of cemeteries and the cultural and religious values of society.
The Commissioner directed investigators to carry out a thorough, intelligence-driven investigation to ensure that everyone involved in the crime is identified, arrested and prosecuted.
He also assured residents that the Command would not tolerate any act capable of undermining public confidence in the rule of law.
CP Azare commended the resident whose vigilance led to the suspects’ arrest, describing the individual’s timely intervention as crucial to foiling the alleged criminal operation.
He encouraged members of the public to continue providing credible and timely information to security agencies, stressing that effective policing depends on strong community cooperation.
The Police Command added that investigations are still ongoing while efforts have been intensified to arrest the fleeing suspect.
It reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property and ensuring that everyone connected to the alleged crime is brought to justice.
