The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has apprehended two individuals in connection with the desecration of a grave at Mbiokporo Cemetery in Uyo. The suspects, identified as Elijah Edet, the cemetery manager, and Nsikak Effiong, a grave digger, are accused of exhuming a freshly buried corpse and stealing the casket. The police also confirmed that a third suspect, Effiong Asuquo, remains at large after fleeing the scene.
Incident Uncovered Through Vigilant Citizen Report
The arrest followed a report from a vigilant resident who observed two men transporting a casket on an unregistered motorcycle at night. According to the police spokesperson, Timfon John, the incident came to light on August 3, 2026, at about 11:30 pm, when a distress call was received from a member of the public who noticed suspicious activities at the cemetery.
The complainant, acting on suspicion, confronted the suspects to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the movement of the casket at such an unusual hour. In an attempt to evade arrest, Effiong Asuquo fled the scene, while his accomplice, Nsikak Effiong, was apprehended and immediately handed over to the police.
Confession and Recovery of Stolen Property
During interrogation, Nsikak Effiong confessed that he and his accomplice had unlawfully exhumed a freshly buried corpse, removed the body from the casket, and stolen the casket with the intention of selling it for financial gain. The police recovered the empty casket and the unregistered motorcycle used in conveying the stolen property. Investigations were expanded to uncover the full circumstances surrounding the crime and identify all persons connected to the act.
Further investigation yielded another breakthrough on August 5, 2026, at about 5:00 pm, with the arrest of Elijah Matthew Edet, the manager of Mbiokporo Cemetery. During interrogation, Edet 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.
Police Commissioner Condemns Act as Barbaric
The state Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, condemned the incident as barbaric, sacrilegious, and a gross violation of the dignity of the dead. He directed that the investigation be comprehensive, intelligence-driven, and professionally conducted to ensure that every individual connected with the crime is identified, arrested, and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The CP also commended the vigilance, courage, and sense of civic responsibility demonstrated by the vigilante officer, whose prompt intervention and report were instrumental in foiling the suspects' attempt to escape with the stolen casket. The police boss urged residents to remain security conscious and continue to provide timely, credible information to the police.
Public Reaction and Ongoing Investigation
The incident has sparked outrage among residents of Uyo, who view the act as a severe desecration of the dead and a violation of cultural and religious norms. The police have assured the public that the investigation is ongoing and that all those involved will face justice. The suspects are currently in police custody and will be charged to court upon completion of the investigation.
