Police in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, have arrested a cemetery manager and a suspected grave digger for allegedly exhuming a freshly buried corpse and stealing its casket for sale.
The suspects were arrested following investigations by the Akwa Ibom State Police Command.
According to the Police, the incident came to light on August 3, 2026, after a vigilant resident spotted two men transporting a casket on an unregistered motorcycle under the cover of darkness.
The suspicious movement prompted an intervention, leading to a chase. While one of the suspects, managed to escape, the other was apprehended at the scene and handed over to the Police.
During interrogation, the culprit allegedly confessed that he and his accomplice dug up a freshly buried grave, removed the corpse and stole the casket with the intention of selling it.
Police recovered both the stolen casket and the motorcycle used in transporting it.
Further investigations led to the arrest of the cemetery manager, who allegedly admitted to conspiring with the grave diggers in carrying out the act.
Police say efforts are underway to arrest the fugitive suspect as investigations continue.
