According to our report, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested Uwem Umanah, the suspected leader of a masquerade group known as Ekpo, for allegedly terrorizing residents and extorting money from motorists and pedestrians.
The arrest, confirmed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, came after a distress call revealed that the masquerade group had blocked a major road, assaulted passersby, and disrupted traffic with dangerous weapons including machetes, sticks, and spears.
Police investigations showed that Umanah directed his followers to parade the streets in defiance of a state ban on masquerade activities. Another suspect, David Michael, was also arrested in a nearby village while preparing for a similar unlawful display.
According to the report, both men have been arraigned in court on charges of unlawful assembly, extortion, and public disturbance.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammad Azare, warned that the Command will not tolerate violence or intimidation under the guise of culture. He reaffirmed that the police are committed to protecting lives and maintaining peace in Akwa Ibom State.
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What’s your opinion on this? Should masquerade displays be banned entirely or better regulated? Share your thoughts below.
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