The Gombe State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has arrested six men accused of exhuming the body of an 85-year-old man and removing his eyes for ritual purposes.
The suspects — identified as Adamu Umar (22), Umar Jibrin Aboki (21), Abdullahi Umar Dauda (17), Muhammed Isa Chindo (28), Kawuji Sarki (39), and Manu Sale (23) — were apprehended on September 11, 2025, during a joint operation by officers of the State Command Headquarters and the Gadam Division.
Confirming the incident on Friday, the Command’s spokesperson, SC Buhari Saad, said the men allegedly dug up the grave of one Mallam Manu Wanzam, who had been buried only two days earlier in Gadam, Kwami Local Government Area.
“Findings showed that one of the suspects, Kawuji Sarki, hired Muhammed Isa Chindo, who then brought in the others, to carry out the act. They were promised ₦500,000 each for harvesting the deceased’s eyes,” Saad revealed.
He added that the men confessed to removing the victim’s eyes before reburying the corpse. One accomplice, however, is still on the run, with security operatives intensifying efforts to track him down.
Condemning the act, the State Commandant, Jibrin Idris, described it as a “grievous assault on human dignity and cultural values.”
“This crime is not only unlawful but deeply offensive to our communal and religious sensibilities. The NSCDC will ensure that those responsible are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” Idris said.
He urged residents to be vigilant and report suspicious activities to the nearest security formation.
“We appreciate the cooperation of members of the public in exposing these criminal networks. Together, we can put an end to such evil practices,” he added.
The NSCDC confirmed that the suspects will face charges in court once investigations are concluded.
Cases of grave desecration for ritual purposes have been reported across different parts of Nigeria, often linked to the pursuit of wealth or spiritual power.
Security agencies have repeatedly warned against such practices, stressing that they undermine community values and threaten public safety.
