By: Theresa Donatus, Uyo.
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested two suspects in connection with the alleged murder of a 26-year-old man, Nsikak Joshua, and the secret burial of his body in Oboetim Ikot Ekong Village, Nsit Ibom Local Government Area.
The suspects, identified as Otobong Nelson, popularly known as “Efok Ikid,” and Utibe Clement, were arrested by police operatives following investigations into the incident, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend two other suspects currently at large.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, the case was reported to the police on July 14, 2026, by the deceased’s father, Mr. Ekere, 52, who alleged that his only son was beaten to death by Otobong Nelson and three others, namely Inemesit Robert, Utibe Clement, and Victor Robert, all from the same community.
The complainant alleged that after the deceased was killed, the suspects transported his body to his residence armed with spades and compelled him to identify a location within his compound where the victim should be buried.
According to the police, the suspects allegedly dug a shallow grave, buried the deceased, and threatened his father against reporting the incident to law enforcement authorities.
The statement said detectives immediately launched an investigation upon receiving the complaint and, acting on credible intelligence, arrested Otobong Nelson and Utibe Clement in the early hours of July 17.
During interrogation, the police said the principal suspect, Otobong Nelson, confessed that the deceased had been summoned over allegations of threatening a neighbour with a machete.
He allegedly admitted ordering Utibe Clement, Victor Robert, and Inemesit Robert to assault the victim with sticks, resulting in his death.
The police further disclosed that the suspect confessed that after the victim died, they transported the body to his father’s residence and falsely claimed that he had been knocked down by a hit-and-run driver.
The suspects allegedly discouraged the family from taking the corpse to a mortuary before burying it in a shallow grave within the compound.
Following police intervention, the body of the deceased was exhumed and deposited in a morgue for preservation and autopsy.
Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, condemned the alleged killing, describing it as “barbaric, unlawful, and unacceptable.”
He directed investigators to intensify efforts to arrest the remaining fleeing suspects and ensure that everyone connected with the crime is brought to justice.
The Command also warned that no individual or group has the right to take the law into their own hands, stressing that anyone involved in conspiracy, unlawful assault, murder, witness intimidation, or concealment of evidence would be investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
