Suspects allegedly exhumed freshly buried corpse to steal casket; third accomplice still on the run

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested two suspects, including a cemetery manager, in connection with the unlawful exhumation of a recently buried corpse and the theft of a casket at Mbiokporo Cemetery in Uyo.

Police authorities confirmed that efforts are ongoing to apprehend a third suspect who fled the scene.

According to a statement from the Command, the incident came to light on August 3, 2026, at about 11:30 p.m., after a vigilant resident raised an alarm upon spotting two men transporting a casket on an unregistered motorcycle under suspicious circumstances.

The resident reportedly confronted the suspects to question their actions at such an unusual hour. One of the men, identified as Effiong Asuquo, fled immediately, while his accomplice, Nsikak Effiong, was apprehended and handed over to the police.

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During interrogation, Nsikak allegedly confessed that he and his accomplice had exhumed a freshly buried corpse, removed it from the casket, and stolen the casket with the intention of selling it for financial gain.

Police operatives recovered the empty casket as well as the motorcycle used in conveying it, and subsequently launched a wider investigation to identify other individuals linked to the crime.

The investigation recorded a major breakthrough on August 5, 2026, when officers arrested Elijah Matthew Edet, the manager of Mbiokporo Cemetery. During questioning, Edet reportedly admitted to conspiring with the suspects, although he claimed it was his first involvement in such an act.

Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, strongly condemned the incident, describing it as “barbaric, sacrilegious, and morally reprehensible.”

He said the act represents a serious violation of the dignity of the dead, as well as the cultural and religious values attached to burial rites.

The Commissioner directed that the investigation be thorough and intelligence-driven to ensure that all individuals connected to the crime are identified and brought to justice.

He also commended the vigilance and civic responsibility of the resident whose timely intervention led to the arrest, urging members of the public to remain security conscious and continue supporting law enforcement agencies with credible information.

The Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining public order and protecting lives and property, adding that efforts have been intensified to track down the fleeing suspect