A chilling murder case has rocked Akwa Ibom State after police uncovered the alleged killing of a 26-year-old man whose body was secretly buried in a shallow grave within his father’s compound in an apparent attempt to cover up the crime.
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command said it has arrested two suspects in connection with the gruesome killing of Nsikak Joshua at Oboetim Ikot Ekong Village in Nsit Ibom Local Government Area, while a manhunt is underway for two other fleeing suspects.
The shocking incident came to light after the victim’s father, Mr. Ekere, reported to the police that his only son had allegedly been beaten to death by members of a local group led by Otobong Nelson, popularly known as “Efok Ikid.”
According to the police, the suspects allegedly transported the victim’s corpse to his father’s residence, falsely claimed he had died in a hit-and-run accident, and then, armed with spades, compelled the grieving father to point out where the body should be buried. They allegedly dug a shallow grave, buried the victim within the compound and threatened the bereaved man against informing the authorities.
Swift police investigations led to the arrest of Otobong Nelson and Utibe Clement in the early hours of July 17.
Detectives said the prime suspect allegedly confessed that the deceased had been summoned over accusations of threatening a neighbour with a machete. He reportedly admitted directing others to beat the victim with sticks, an assault that allegedly resulted in his death.
Police subsequently exhumed the victim’s remains from the shallow grave and deposited the body in a morgue for preservation and autopsy as investigations continue.
Condemning the incident, the Commissioner of Police described the alleged killing as barbaric, criminal and a gross abuse of the rule of law, vowing that all those involved, including the fleeing suspects, would be tracked down and prosecuted.
The Command reiterated that no one has the right to dispense jungle justice, warning that anyone involved in murder, conspiracy, witness intimidation or attempts to conceal evidence will face the full weight of the law.
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