The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested two suspects in connection with the alleged conspiracy and gruesome murder of a 26-year-old man, Nsikak Joshua, in Oboetim Ikot Ekong Village, Nsit Ibom Local Government Area.
The Command said the suspects, identified as Otobong Nelson, popularly known as “Efok Ikid,” and Utibe Clement, were arrested following investigations into the incident, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend two other suspects, Inemesit Robert and Victor Robert, who are currently at large.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, the case was reported on July 14, 2026, by the deceased’s father, Mr. Ekere, 52, who alleged that his only son was beaten to death by the suspects.
The complainant told police that the suspects allegedly brought his son’s corpse to his residence on the morning of July 14 armed with spades, compelled him to indicate where the deceased should be buried, dug a shallow grave within his compound, buried the body, and warned him against reporting the incident to the police.
Following the report, detectives launched an investigation and, acting on credible intelligence, arrested Otobong Nelson and Utibe Clement in the early hours of July 17.
Police said during interrogation, the principal suspect, Otobong Nelson, allegedly confessed that the deceased had been summoned over an accusation of threatening a neighbour with a machete. He reportedly admitted ordering Utibe Clement, Victor Robert and Inemesit Robert to assault the victim with sticks, resulting in his death.
The suspect further confessed that after the victim died, the group allegedly transported the body to the father’s residence and falsely claimed he had been killed in a hit-and-run accident. They also allegedly discouraged the family from taking the corpse to a mortuary before burying it in a shallow grave.
The police subsequently exhumed the remains, which have been deposited in a morgue for preservation and autopsy.
Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, condemned the killing, describing it as barbaric, unlawful and unacceptable.
He directed investigators to intensify efforts to arrest the remaining suspects and ensure that everyone found culpable is prosecuted.
The Command also warned that anyone involved in conspiracy, unlawful assault, murder, intimidation of witnesses or concealment of evidence would face the full weight of the law.
Source: NewsNectarNG
