Police uncover illegal mortuary, recover eight decomposed bodies

The Cross River State Police Command has uncovered an unauthorised mortuary in Isong Inyang community, Akamkpa Local Government Area, where eight decomposed bodies were found.

Police spokesman, ASP Eitokpah Sunday, confirmed the development in a statement, adding that one suspect has been taken into custody in connection with the case. Early findings suggest the individual works with a company operating within the locality.

According to the statement, officers acted on credible intelligence about the presence of corpses at a private embalming facility situated along the Calabar–Ikom highway on 13 February 2026.

“At about 11:56 hours on the said date, credible information was received regarding the presence of corpses at the facility. Operatives were immediately mobilised to the scene to verify the report. Upon arrival, eight well-dried corpses were discovered in the hall,” the statement said.

The suspect was identified as Sunday Ben Reuben, said to be a native of Nsit Ibom in Akwa Ibom State. Police described him as a mortician affiliated with Enghaut Company Mortuary in Akamkpa.

He remains in custody while detectives carry out a full investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the discovery and determine whether any laws were breached.

The Command appealed for calm, urging residents to refrain from speculation and assuring that verified information would be released as inquiries progress.