Eight Dried Corpses Found in Cross River Mortuary, Police Arrest Mortician

Suspect Sunday Ben Reuben in custody as investigators probe discovery along Calabar-Ikom Highway

The Cross River State Police Command has launched a comprehensive investigation following the discovery of eight dried corpses at a local embalmment facility in the Isong Inyang Community, Akamkpa Local Government Area.

Police Public Relations Officer ASP Eitokpah Sunday confirmed in a statement that operatives were mobilized to the scene around 11:56 a.m. on Friday, February 13, after receiving credible information about corpses at the location. Upon arrival, eight well-dried bodies were discovered inside the hall .

Suspect in Custody

Swift police action led to the arrest of Sunday Ben Reuben, a native of Nsit Ibom in Akwa Ibom State. Preliminary investigations indicate the suspect is a mortician attached to Enghaut Company Mortuary in Akamkpa LGA .

"The suspect is currently in custody, and a comprehensive investigation is ongoing to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the matter and to determine whether any laws have been contravened," ASP Sunday stated .

Social media reports had alleged the corpses might be victims of scavengers, with some unverified claims suggesting missing organs. Police, however, have not confirmed these allegations and urged the public to refrain from speculation .

Community Reaction

Residents of the Okomita area in Akamkpa expressed shock at the discovery, which has raised questions about mortuary practices and oversight in the region. The facility, described as a local embalmment hall constructed with zinc materials, was allegedly operated by the suspect without proper regulatory oversight .

The Police Command has assured the public that further verified updates will be communicated as the investigation progresses. Residents have been urged to remain calm and allow law enforcement to conduct a thorough inquiry .

The discovery along the busy Calabar-Ikom Highway has drawn attention to the regulation of private mortuary facilities and the need for stricter oversight of body preservation practices in Cross River State.