The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested the leader of a local masquerade group, identified as Uwem Umanah, over alleged acts of public disturbance, extortion, and illegal assembly in the state.
According to a statement issued on Saturday by the State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, the arrest followed a distress call from a concerned citizen reporting that members of a masquerade group, popularly known as Ekpo, were attacking residents, blocking a public highway, and extorting money from passers-by.
The statement revealed that police operatives swiftly responded to the distress report and apprehended Umanah, aged 45, who allegedly authorised members of the group to wear masks and perform in public despite an existing statewide ban on masquerade displays.
“Investigation revealed that the leader of the Ekpo masquerade in the village, one Uwem Umanah, had directed his followers to wear masks and intimidate residents, contrary to the prevailing restrictions on such cultural activities,” DSP John stated.
The police further disclosed that the group, armed with machetes, sticks, and other weapons, physically assaulted residents, including members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
In a related operation, another suspect, David Michael (34) of Ikot Obong Edong Village, was arrested at Ukana Onuk Village while allegedly preparing to stage a masquerade invasion. Both suspects have since been charged to court following the completion of investigations.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammad Azare, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to upholding public peace and order, warning that cultural or religious activities would not be used as a pretext for criminal behaviour.
“The police will not tolerate acts of lawlessness, intimidation, or violence under any guise, including the unauthorised use of cultural paraphernalia to perpetrate crime,” the statement read.
Residents were urged to remain law-abiding and report suspicious activities promptly to security authorities to sustain peace across communities.
