The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested the manager of Mbiokporo Cemetery in Uyo and another suspect over the alleged exhumation of a freshly buried corpse and theft of its casket.
Police said the breakthrough followed an investigation into the incident, which was reported on August 3 after a vigilant resident noticed two men transporting a casket on an unregistered motorcycle late at night and alerted security operatives.
According to a statement by the command, one of the suspects, identified as Nsikak Effiong, was apprehended at the scene after his accomplice, Effiong Asuquo, escaped.
The statement endorsed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, says that during interrogation, the arrested suspect allegedly confessed that he and his accomplice exhumed a freshly buried corpse, removed the body from the casket, and attempted to steal the casket for sale.
The police recovered the empty casket and the motorcycle allegedly used to transport it, while detectives widened investigations to uncover other persons connected with the crime.
It says the investigation later led to the arrest of Elijah Matthew Edet, the manager of Mbiokporo Cemetery, on August 5.
Police said the cemetery manager admitted during questioning that he conspired with the grave diggers in carrying out the operation, adding that he claimed it was his first involvement in such an act.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, condemned the incident, describing it as barbaric, sacrilegious, and a grave violation of the dignity of the dead and the sanctity of burial grounds.
He directed investigators to carry out a comprehensive, intelligence-led investigation to ensure that everyone connected with the crime is identified, arrested, and prosecuted.
The commissioner also praised the resident whose timely intervention and report led to the arrest of one suspect, urging members of the public to remain vigilant and continue supporting law enforcement agencies with credible information.
Police said efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspect, while investigations continue.