2 Arrested Over Alleged Murder, Secret Burial Of 26-Year-Old In Akwa Ibom

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested two suspects over the alleged murder and secret burial of a 26-year-old man, Nsikak Joshua, in Nsit Ibom Local Government Area of the state.

The deceased was allegedly beaten to death before his remains were buried in a shallow grave within his father’s compound at Oboetim Ikot Ekong Village.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the command, DSP Timfon John, who confirmed the development, said the suspects allegedly took Joshua’s corpse to his father’s residence and forced him to identify where the body should be buried.

According to her, the deceased’s father, 52-year-old Ekere, reported the incident to the police on July 14, alleging that the suspects threatened him against reporting the matter after secretly burying his son.

John said detectives commenced investigation following the report, leading to the arrest of two suspects, Otobong Nelson, also known as “Efok Ikid,” and Utibe Clement on July 17.

She disclosed that Nelson allegedly confessed during interrogation that Joshua was summoned over claims that he threatened a neighbour with a machete.

The police spokesperson said Nelson admitted ordering some persons, including Utibe Clement, Victor Robert and Inemesit Robert, to assault Joshua with sticks, which allegedly resulted in his death.

According to John, the suspects allegedly deceived the victim’s father by claiming that Joshua died in a hit-and-run accident and advised him against taking the body to a mortuary before burying him.

“The suspects allegedly threatened the deceased’s father against informing the police after the burial,” John said.

She added that the victim’s remains had been exhumed and deposited in a morgue for preservation and autopsy.

Describing the incident as “barbaric and unlawful,” the police spokesperson said the Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, had ordered an intensified manhunt for other suspects linked to the killing.

She said the command was determined to ensure that all persons connected with the alleged crime were arrested and brought to justice.