The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested two suspects over the alleged murder of a 26-year-old man, Nsikak Joshua, whose body was reportedly buried in a shallow grave before being exhumed during the police investigation.
According to the police, the incident occurred in Oboetim Ikot Ekong Village, Nsit Ibom Local Government Area, while the case was officially reported on July 14, 2026, by the victim’s father.
Father Alleges Son Was Beaten to Death
The Command’s spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, said the victim’s father, Mr. Ekere, 52, reported that his only son was allegedly beaten to death by Otobong Nelson, also known as “Efok Ikid,” alongside Inemesit Robert, Utibe Clement, and Victor Robert, who are all residents of the same community.
According to the complaint, the suspects allegedly attacked the deceased before bringing his body to his father’s residence.
Suspects Allegedly Forced Family to Bury Victim
Police said the complainant alleged that on the morning of July 14, the suspects arrived at his home carrying spades and allegedly forced him to indicate where his son’s body should be buried.
The suspects reportedly dug a shallow grave within the family compound, buried the deceased, and allegedly threatened the father against reporting the matter to the police.
The alleged threats delayed the report until authorities were eventually notified.
Police Arrest Two Suspects During Investigation
Following the complaint, detectives immediately launched an investigation.
Police operatives later arrested Otobong Nelson and Utibe Clement during an operation carried out in the early hours of July 17, 2026.
Investigators said the arrests followed credible intelligence gathered during the investigation.
Police Say Prime Suspect Confessed
During interrogation, police said the principal suspect, Otobong Nelson, allegedly confessed that the deceased had been summoned over accusations that he threatened a neighbour with a machete.
According to the police, Nelson admitted ordering Utibe Clement, Victor Robert, and Inemesit Robert to assault the victim with sticks.
Police alleged that the beating resulted in the victim’s death.
Investigators further claimed the suspect confessed that after the incident, the group transported the body to the victim’s father’s residence and falsely claimed he had died in a hit-and-run accident.
The suspects allegedly persuaded the family not to take the body to a mortuary before burying it in a shallow grave inside the compound.
Victim’s Body Exhumed for Autopsy
As part of the investigation, police exhumed the victim’s remains from the shallow grave.
The body has since been deposited at a morgue where an autopsy will be conducted to determine the exact cause of death and provide further evidence for the ongoing investigation.
Police Launch Manhunt for Remaining Suspects
The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner of Police condemned the alleged killing and ordered investigators to intensify efforts to apprehend the remaining suspects who are still on the run.
