By Frank Ulom
CALABAR (CONVERSEER) – The Cross River State Police Command has arrested a mortician, Sunday Ben Reuben, following the discovery of several corpses in Isong Inyang Community in Akamkpa Local Government Area of the state.
The arrest was made on Friday, after residents of the community in Okomita, Akamkpa, discovered about eight dried corpses in a confinement made of zinc.
Social media reports alleged that the corpses are victims of scavengers (recyclers), popularly referred to as Iron Condemn.
Some of the reports even alleged that the organs of the corpses were missing at the time of the discovery.
However, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, Police Public Relations Officer in the state, disclosed that the place was a local embalmment hall allegedly operated by Reuben, who is a native of Nsit Ibom Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
Eitokpah said the suspect is a mortician attached to Enghaut Company Mortuary in Akamkpa.
“The Cross River State Police Command wishes to respond to reports circulating in sections of the media concerning the discovery of corpses at a local embalmment hall in Isong Inyang Community, along Calabar–Ikom Highway on 13th February 2026.
“At about 11:56 hours on the said date, credible information was received by the Police 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.
“Prompt action by the Police led to the arrest of one suspect, identified as Sunday Ben Reuben, a native of Nsit Ibom, Akwa Ibom State. Preliminary investigation indicates that the suspect is a mortician attached to Enghaut Company Mortuary, Akamkpa Local Government Area,” Eitokpah said in a press statement.
The statement added, “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.’
The statement further urged members of the public to remain calm and refrain from speculation, as further verified updates will be communicated in due course.
