…stolen casket, unregistered motorcycle recovered
According to the statement, the vigilant citizen confronted the suspects to demand an explanation for moving a casket at such an unusual hour
By Ime Silas
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested two persons, including the manager of Mbiokporo Cemetery in Uyo, in connection with the unlawful exhumation of a freshly buried corpse and the theft of a casket, in what the Command has described as a barbaric desecration of burial grounds.
Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday, 6th August 2026, that the breakthrough followed a distress call from a member of the public on 3rd August 2026 at about 11:30 p.m. The caller reported suspicious activity after sighting two men transporting a casket on an unregistered motorcycle under the cover of darkness within the cemetery premises.
According to the statement, the vigilant citizen confronted the suspects to demand an explanation for moving a casket at such an unusual hour. In the ensuing encounter, one of the suspects, identified as Effiong Asuquo, fled the scene, while his accomplice, Nsikak Effiong, was apprehended and handed over to the Police.
During interrogation, Nsikak Effiong confessed to the crime. He told investigators that he and the fleeing accomplice had unlawfully exhumed a freshly buried corpse, removed the body from the casket, and made away with the casket with the intention of selling it for financial gain.
Officers recovered the empty casket as well as the unregistered motorcycle used in conveying the stolen property. The Command immediately expanded investigations to identify all persons connected to the act.
The investigation recorded another major development on 5th August 2026 at about 5:00 p.m. with the arrest of Elijah Matthew Edet, the Manager of Mbiokporo Cemetery. Police said Edet admitted during questioning to conspiring with the grave diggers to commit the offence. He also told detectives that it was his first involvement in such criminal activity.
Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, Mnipr, condemned the incident in strong terms, calling it an affront to both law and culture.
“This act is barbaric, sacrilegious, morally reprehensible, and a gross violation of the dignity of the dead, the sanctity of burial grounds, and the cultural and religious values of our society,” CP Azare said.
The Commissioner has directed that the investigation be comprehensive, intelligence-driven, and professionally conducted to ensure that every individual linked to the crime is identified, arrested, and prosecuted in accordance with the law. He stressed that the Command will not tolerate any action that desecrates human dignity or undermines public confidence in the rule of law.
CP Azare also commended the courage and civic responsibility of the complainant whose prompt report foiled the suspects’ attempt to escape with the stolen casket.
“The vigilance demonstrated by this citizen is a clear example of why community partnership is critical to effective policing,” the CP added. “I urge residents to remain security conscious and to continue to provide timely and credible information to the Police.”
DSP John said efforts have been intensified to apprehend the fleeing suspect, Effiong Asuquo. The two suspects in custody are helping investigators to establish the full chain of those involved, including possible buyers for the stolen casket.
The incident has sparked outrage in Uyo, where residents describe burial rites and the sanctity of cemeteries as central to the state’s cultural and religious life. Community leaders have called for stricter oversight of cemetery operations to prevent a recurrence.
The Police said investigation is ongoing and that the suspects will be charged to court at the conclusion of investigations. The Command reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property, preserving public order, and ensuring that all those connected with what it called this heinous crime are brought to justice.
