The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested two men over the alleged exhumation of a recently buried body and the theft of its casket at Mbiokporo Cemetery in Uyo.
Those in custody are Nsikak Effiong and the cemetery manager, Elijah Matthew Edet. Police believe the pair worked together in carrying out the act, allegedly intending to sell the stolen casket for financial gain.
According to the command’s spokesperson, Timfon John, the case came to light on the night of August 3 after a vigilant resident alerted security operatives about two men moving a casket on an unregistered motorcycle under suspicious circumstances.
The witness reportedly confronted the suspects, prompting one of them, identified as Effiong Asuquo, to flee. His alleged accomplice, Nsikak Effiong, was caught at the scene and later handed over to the police.
During interrogation, police said Effiong admitted that the body had been removed from the grave before the casket was taken away with plans to sell it.
Officers later recovered the empty casket and the motorcycle allegedly used in transporting it. Further investigations also led detectives to the cemetery manager, who was subsequently arrested.
Police said Edet confessed to taking part in the operation with the grave diggers, although he claimed it was the first time he had engaged in such an act.
“The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recorded a significant breakthrough in the investigation into the unlawful exhumation of a freshly buried corpse and the theft of a casket at Mbiokporo Cemetery, Uyo, with the arrest of two suspects, including the manager of the cemetery, while efforts have been intensified to apprehend another accomplice who remains at large.
“The incident came to light on 3rd August, 2026, at about 11:30 pm, following a distress call received from a vigilant member of the public who reported suspicious activities at the cemetery after observing two men transporting a casket on an unregistered motorcycle under the cover of darkness.
“Acting on the suspicion, the complainant confronted the suspects to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the movement of the casket at such an unusual hour. In an attempt to evade arrest, one of the suspects, identified as Effiong Asuquo, fled the scene, while his accomplice, Nsikak Effiong, 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 corpse from the casket, and stolen the casket with the intention of selling it for financial gain.
“The police recovered the empty casket as well as the unregistered motorcycle used in conveying the stolen property, while investigations were immediately expanded to uncover the full circumstances surrounding the crime and identify all persons connected to the act.
“Further investigation yielded another breakthrough on 5th August, 2026, at about 5:00 pm, with the arrest of one Elijah Matthew Edet, the manager of Mbiokporo Cemetery. During interrogation, the suspect admitted to conspiring with the grave diggers in the commission of the offence and stated that it was his first involvement in such criminal activity,” the statement read.
Reacting to the incident, Commissioner of Police Baba Azare described the alleged crime as barbaric and a serious violation of the dignity of the deceased. He directed investigators to ensure everyone connected to the incident is identified and brought to justice.
The police commissioner also applauded the vigilance of the resident whose timely report led to the arrests and urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with credible information.
