The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested four suspects and exhumed the body of a 26-year-old man, Nsikak Joshua, who was allegedly beaten to death in Nsit Ibom Local Government Area of the state.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday, saying the suspects are currently in police custody while investigations continue.
According to the police, the case came to light on July 14 after the victim’s 52-year-old father reported the incident to authorities.
The complainant alleged that his only son was brutally assaulted by four men, resulting in his death. He further claimed that after the victim died, the suspects transported the body to his residence carrying spades and forced him to identify a location within the compound where the corpse would be buried.
“The complainant alleged that after the victim died, the suspects brought his body to his residence, armed with spades, compelled him to indicate where the corpse should be buried, dug a shallow grave within the compound, and buried the body before threatening him against reporting the matter,” DSP Timfon John said.
Following the report, police operatives launched an investigation that led to the arrest of the four suspects identified as Otobong Nelson, also known as “Efok Ikid,” Inemesit Robert, Utibe Clement and Victor Robert.
The police also obtained the necessary legal approval to exhume the victim’s remains for an autopsy and other forensic examinations aimed at determining the exact cause of death.
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command said the suspects remain in custody as detectives continue investigations to establish the circumstances surrounding the killing and determine the motive behind the alleged assault.
The command added that the suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of the investigation.