Police Arrest Cemetery Manager, Gravedigger Over Alleged Secondhand Casket Resale
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested two suspects, including the manager of Mbiokporo Cemetery in Uyo, over the alleged unlawful exhumation of a freshly buried corpse and the removal of its casket for suspected financial gain.
Global Mirror News gathered that the disturbing incident reportedly occurred at Mbiokporo Cemetery on August 3, 2026, and came to light after a vigilant member of the public noticed suspicious movement around the cemetery late at night.
According to the Police, the incident was reported at about 11:30 p.m. after two men were allegedly seen transporting a casket on an unregistered motorcycle under the cover of darkness.
The unusual sight reportedly raised suspicion, prompting the concerned resident to confront the men and question why a casket was being moved from the cemetery at such an odd hour.
The confrontation reportedly caused one of the suspects, identified as Effiong Asuquo, to flee, while his alleged accomplice, Nsikak Effiong, was apprehended and handed over to the Police.
During interrogation, Police said Effiong allegedly confessed that he and Asuquo had unlawfully exhumed a recently buried corpse, removed the body from the casket and taken away the casket with the intention of selling it.
The Police subsequently recovered the empty casket and the unregistered motorcycle allegedly used to transport it.
Cemetery Manager Arrested
As detectives continued investigating the circumstances surrounding the alleged incident, the investigation reportedly led to the arrest of the manager of Mbiokporo Cemetery, identified as Elijah Matthew Edet, on August 5 at about 5:00 p.m.
The Police said Edet, during interrogation, admitted to allegedly conspiring with grave diggers in the commission of the offence.
He reportedly claimed that it was his first involvement in such an act.
The Police, however, said investigations were still ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the alleged crime and determine whether other persons were involved.
Another alleged accomplice, Effiong Asuquo, was still being sought by the police as of the latest reports.
Police Condemn Alleged Act
The Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, CP Baba Azare, strongly condemned the alleged incident, describing it as barbaric, sacrilegious and morally reprehensible.
The Police Commissioner said the alleged act amounted to a serious violation of the dignity of the dead, the sanctity of burial grounds and the cultural and religious values of society.
He consequently directed investigators to conduct a comprehensive and intelligence-driven investigation aimed at identifying everyone connected to the alleged offence and bringing those found culpable before the law.
The Commissioner also commended the vigilant resident whose intervention reportedly helped prevent the suspects from successfully leaving the area with the stolen casket.
He urged members of the public to remain security-conscious and promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies.
Investigation Continues
The Police have stressed that investigations are continuing, while efforts have been intensified to apprehend the fleeing suspect and establish the complete circumstances surrounding the alleged exhumation and casket theft.
The incident has also raised concerns about the need for greater security and accountability around cemeteries, particularly at night, given the sensitive nature of burial grounds and the importance attached to the dignity of the dead across Nigerian communities.
For now, the allegations remain subject to police investigation and, where applicable, judicial determination.
Global Mirror News gathered that the incident has attracted widespread attention because of the unusual nature of the alleged motive, the reported removal of a casket for resale after a corpse had been exhumed. The police have assured the public that all persons found to have participated in the alleged offence will be dealt with according to the law.
