The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested a cemetery manager and a suspected grave digger over the alleged exhumation of a recently buried corpse and theft of its casket in Mbiokporo Cemetery, Uyo. According to Punch News, the suspects allegedly planned to sell the casket for financial gain.
Police spokesperson Timfon John said the incident occurred around 11:30 p.m. on August 3, 2026, after a vigilante operative noticed two men transporting a casket on an unregistered motorcycle within the cemetery.
One of the suspects, identified as Effiong Asuquo, reportedly escaped when confronted, while Nsikak Effiong was apprehended and handed over to the police. During questioning, Effiong allegedly confessed that he and his accomplice had exhumed a recently buried corpse, removed it from the casket, and taken the casket away.
Police recovered the empty casket and the motorcycle allegedly used to transport it. Further investigation subsequently led to the arrest of Elijah Matthew Edet, the manager of Mbiokporo Cemetery, on August 5.
According to the police, Edet admitted during interrogation that he conspired with the grave diggers to carry out the alleged offence, although he reportedly claimed it was his first involvement in such an act. Police said efforts were ongoing to arrest the remaining suspect and establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
The Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, condemned the alleged act as barbaric and a serious violation of the dignity of the deceased. He directed investigators to conduct a thorough and professional investigation and ensure that everyone linked to the incident is identified and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The police also commended the vigilante operative whose alert reportedly helped prevent the suspects from escaping with the stolen casket and urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities.
Source: Punch News
