The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Gombe has arrested six men for allegedly exhuming a corpse for ritual purposes in Kwami Local Government Area.
The suspects, Adamu Umar (22), Umar Jibrin Aboki (21), Abdullahi Umar Dauda (17), Muhammed Isa Chindo (28), Kawuji Sarki (39), and Manu Sale (23) were arrested during a joint operation by officers from the State Command Headquarters and Gadam Division on September 11, 2025.
Command spokesperson SC Buhari Saad said the group dug up the grave of Mallam Manu Wanzam, an 85-year-old buried just two days earlier. “Investigation revealed that one Kawuji Sarki contracted Muhammed Isa Chindo, who further engaged the other suspects, to exhume the body and harvest human parts specifically the eyes at the price of ₦500,000 each,” Saad stated.
The suspects confessed to removing the deceased’s eyes before reburying the body. One accomplice remains at large.
Condemning the act, State Commandant Jibrin Idris described it as “a grave assault on human dignity and cultural values,” assuring that justice would be served. He urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security agencies.
The NSCDC confirmed that the suspects will face prosecution once investigations are concluded.
