The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested the manager of Mbiokporo Cemetery in Uyo, Elijah Edet, along with a suspected grave digger, Nsikak Effiong, for allegedly exhuming a freshly buried corpse and stealing its casket.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Timfon John, disclosed the arrests in a statement issued on Thursday.

According to the police, the incident came to light on August 3 after a vigilant resident spotted two men transporting a casket on an unregistered motorcycle during the night and alerted security operatives.

During an attempt to escape, one of the suspects, identified as Effiong Asuquo, fled the scene, while his alleged accomplice, Nsikak Effiong, was apprehended and handed over to the police.

Police said Effiong confessed that he and Asuquo dug up a recently buried grave, removed the corpse and stole the casket with the intention of selling it.

The stolen casket and the motorcycle used in the operation were recovered by the police.

Further investigation led to the arrest of the cemetery manager, Elijah Matthew Edet, who allegedly confessed to conspiring with the suspects in carrying out the crime.

The police said investigations are ongoing as efforts continue to apprehend the fleeing suspect and ensure all those connected to the incident are brought to justice.