Police arrest two over Nsit Ibom murder

Etim Ekpimah

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested two suspects in connection with the alleged conspiracy and murder of 26-year-old Nsikak Joshua in Oboetim Ikot Ekong Village, Nsit Ibom Local Government Area.

According to the police, the case was reported on 14 July 2026 at about 8:30 pm by the victim’s father, Mr Ekere, 52, who alleged that his only son was beaten to death by Otobong Nelson, also known as “Efok Ikid”, with the assistance of Inemesit Robert, Utibe Clement and Victor Robert, all residents of the village.

The complainant further alleged that at about 8:40 a.m. on the same day, the suspects brought his son’s body to his residence armed with spades, forced him to identify a burial site, dug a shallow grave within his compound and buried the deceased. He also claimed they threatened him against reporting the incident to the police.

Following the report, detectives launched an investigation. Acting on credible intelligence, operatives arrested Otobong Nelson and Utibe Clement on 17 July 2026 at about 3:45 a.m.

During interrogation, police said the principal suspect, Otobong Nelson, made a confessional statement, admitting that the deceased had been summoned over allegations that he threatened a neighbour with a machete.

According to the police, Nelson confessed that he instructed Utibe Clement, Victor Robert and Inemesit Robert to beat the deceased with sticks, resulting in his death.

Police said the suspect further admitted that after the victim died, he and the others took the body to the deceased’s father’s residence and falsely claimed that he had been killed in a hit-and-run accident. They allegedly advised the father against taking the body to a mortuary before burying it in a shallow grave within the compound.

The police said the victim’s remains have since been exhumed and deposited in a mortuary for preservation and an autopsy.

Commissioner of Police Baba Mohammed Azare condemned the killing, describing it as barbaric, unlawful and unacceptable. He directed investigators to intensify efforts to apprehend the remaining suspects still at large and ensure that all those involved are brought to justice.

The command reaffirmed that no individual or group has the right to take the law into their own hands, warning that anyone involved in conspiracy, unlawful assault, murder, witness intimidation or concealment of evidence would be investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.