Police arrest suspects for exhuming freshly buried corpse, stealing casket in Akwa Ibom
Two Arrested in Cemetery Theft Case in Akwa Ibom
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested two individuals, including the manager of Mbiokporo Cemetery, in connection with the alleged exhumation of a recently buried corpse and the theft of a casket.
In a statement issued Thursday in Uyo, Police Spokesperson DSP Timfon John reported that the incident occurred on August 3, 2026, around 11:30 p.m., following a distress call from a vigilant citizen.
According to the complainant, he observed two men transporting a casket on an unregistered motorcycle at the cemetery during the night. Acting on suspicion, he confronted the individuals to inquire about their activities. One of the suspects, identified as Effiong Asuquo, fled the scene, while his accomplice, Nsikak Effiong, was apprehended and subsequently handed over to the police.
During interrogation, Nsikak Effiong admitted that he and Asuquo had unlawfully exhumed a freshly buried corpse, removed it from the casket, and stolen the casket with the intent to sell it for financial gain. The police recovered the empty casket as well as the motorcycle used in the theft.
Following further investigation, officers arrested Elijah Matthew Edet, the manager of Mbiokporo Cemetery, on August 5, 2026. During questioning, Edet reportedly confessed to conspiring with grave diggers in the crime, stating this was his first involvement in such activity.
The police are continuing efforts to locate the fleeing suspect, Effiong Asuquo. Commissioner of Police CP Baba Mohammed Azare condemned the incident, describing it as barbaric and a gross violation of the dignity of the deceased, as well as a serious affront to the sanctity of burial grounds and societal values.
