Police in Cross River State have launched an investigation after eight decomposed bodies were discovered in a local embalmment facility in Isong Inyang community, Akamkpa Local Government Area.

The corpses, described by authorities as “well dried,” were found in a small mortuary along the busy Calabar–Ikom Highway after officers received a tip-off from residents concerned about activities at the premises.

Spokesperson for the Cross River State Police Command, ASP Eitokpah Sunday, said operatives were immediately deployed to the scene following the report. On arrival, they uncovered eight bodies laid out inside the embalmment hall under conditions that raised questions about how long they had been there and whether proper procedures were followed.

One suspect, identified as Sunday Ben Reuben, a native of Nsit Ibom in Akwa Ibom State, was arrested at the facility. According to the police, preliminary findings suggest he works as a mortician attached to Enghaut Company Mortuary, which operates in the Akamkpa area.

Investigators are now trying to determine the identities of the deceased, how long the bodies have been kept at the site, and whether the mortuary complied with health regulations and legal requirements governing the handling and storage of corpses.

ASP Sunday said the suspect is in custody and is assisting detectives with their inquiries. The command is probing whether the embalmment hall was duly registered, whether next of kin were notified, and if any criminal offences, including possible abuse of corpses or negligence, were committed.

The discovery has unsettled residents of Isong Inyang and surrounding communities, where informal and poorly regulated mortuaries have long been a source of concern. Some locals, speaking on condition of anonymity, said they had noticed unusual movements around the facility but were unsure of what was happening inside.

The Police Command has urged the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified claims about the incident. Authorities pledged to make their findings public once investigations are concluded and to ensure that anyone found culpable faces prosecution.