Police Arrest 2 Over Murder, Exhume Victim’s Body

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested two suspects in connection with the alleged murder of a 26-year-old man and exhumed the victim’s body as investigations into the case intensify.

Police spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, said the victim, identified as Nsikak Joshua, was allegedly beaten to death on July 14, 2026, at Oboetim Ikot Ekong village in Nsit Ibom Local Government Area.

She said the case was reported by the victim’s father, Mr. Ekere, who alleged that his only son was assaulted to death by Otobong Nelson, also known as “Efok Ikid,” alongside Inemesit Robert, Utibe Clement and Victor Robert.

According to the police, the suspects allegedly transported the victim’s body to his father’s residence, falsely claimed he had died in a hit-and-run accident and forced the grieving father to indicate where the corpse should be buried.

“The complainant stated that the suspects arrived at his residence armed with spades, dug a shallow grave within his compound, buried the corpse and threatened him against reporting the matter to the police,” DSP John said.

She said detectives immediately launched an investigation, leading to the arrest of Otobong Nelson and Utibe Clement on July 17.

During interrogation, Nelson allegedly confessed that the deceased had been summoned over claims that he threatened a neighbour with a machete.

He also admitted ordering Utibe Clement, Victor Robert and Inemesit Robert to assault the victim with sticks, resulting in his death.

The suspect further confessed that after the victim died, the group took the body to the deceased’s family compound, claimed he had been killed in a road accident and discouraged the family from taking the corpse to a mortuary before burying it in a shallow grave.

DSP John said police later exhumed the body and deposited it in a morgue for preservation and autopsy, while efforts are ongoing to arrest the remaining suspects.

The Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, condemned the killing, describing it as “barbaric, unlawful and unacceptable.”

He directed investigators to intensify efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspects and ensure that everyone involved in the alleged crime is brought to justice.

The Command also warned that anyone involved in conspiracy, unlawful assault, murder, intimidation of witnesses or concealment of evidence would be investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.