The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Gombe State has arrested six men accused of exhuming a corpse for ritual purposes in Kwami Local Government Area. According to the command’s spokesperson, SC Buhari Saad, the suspects allegedly dug up the grave of late Mallam Manu Wanzam, an 85-year-old man who was buried only two days earlier in Gadam community.

Those arrested were identified as Adamu Umar (22), Umar Jibrin Aboki (21), Abdullahi Umar Dauda (17), Muhammed Isa Chindo (28), Kawuji Sarki (39), and Manu Sale (23). They were caught on September 11, 2025, during a joint operation between officers from the State Command Headquarters and Gadam Division.

Investigations revealed that one of the suspects, Kawuji Sarki, hired Muhammed Isa Chindo, who then recruited the others to carry out the act. Their mission was to remove the deceased’s eyes, which were to be sold for N500,000 each. The suspects confessed to the crime and admitted that they reburied the body after harvesting the organs. One accomplice remains on the run, with security agencies working to track him down.

Condemning the act, State Commandant Jibrin Idris described it as a crime against humanity and cultural values. He assured residents that justice would be served and urged communities to remain alert by reporting suspicious activities. He also praised the public for their cooperation, stressing that collaboration between citizens and security agencies is key in tackling such crimes. The suspects will be charged to court once investigations are completed.