Two suspects have been arrested over the alleged murder of a 26-year-old man, Nsikak Joshua, whose body was reportedly buried in a shallow grave after he was beaten to death in Akwa Ibom State.

The spokesperson for the Akwa Ibom State Police Command, DSP Timfon John, said the suspects allegedly took the victim’s corpse to his father’s residence in Oboetim Ikot Ekong Village, Nsit Ibom Local Council, where they forced him to identify a burial site before secretly burying the body within the compound.

According to the police, the deceased’s father, 52-year-old Ekere, reported the incident on July 14, alleging that the suspects threatened him against informing the police after burying his son’s body.

John said detectives immediately launched an investigation, leading to the arrest of two suspects, identified as Otobong Nelson, also known as “Efok Ikid,” and Utibe Clement, on July 17.

She said Nelson confessed during interrogation that Joshua had been summoned over allegations that he threatened a neighbour with a machete.

According to the police spokesperson, Nelson admitted directing others, including Utibe Clement, Victor Robert and Inemesit Robert, to assault Joshua with sticks, resulting in his death.

The suspects allegedly told the victim’s father that his son had died in a hit-and-run accident and advised him not to take the body to a mortuary before burying him in a shallow grave.

John disclosed that the victim’s remains have since been exhumed and deposited in a morgue for preservation and autopsy.

Describing the incident as barbaric and unlawful, she said the Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, has ordered an intensified manhunt for the remaining suspects and directed that everyone connected with the killing be brought to justice.