The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested two persons allegedly involved in the unlawful activities of Ekpo masquerades, following their alleged obstruction of the Etim Ekpo–Azumini Road and extortion of unsuspecting motorists and pedestrians.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command on Saturday, November 14, 2026.
According to DSP John, the arrest was made on November 14, 2026, at about 2:00 p.m., when operatives of the Command, while conducting routine patrol within their area of responsibility, intercepted two Ekpo masquerades who had allegedly blocked a section of the Etim Ekpo–Azumini Road, thereby disrupting the free flow of vehicular and pedestrian movement.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly mounted an unlawful roadblock, accosting motorists and pedestrians and demanding money from them. More concerning was the fact that the suspects were reportedly armed with machetes and other dangerous weapons, thereby creating fear, intimidation and unnecessary tension among road users.
The suspects, identified as Godspower Ubong, male, and Blessing Jumbo, male, both of Utu Ikot Imonte Village, Etim Ekpo Local Government Area, were promptly arrested and taken into police custody.
Related: Police Arrest Two Suspected Ekpo Masquerade Participants For Terrorising Residents In Ikot Ekpene
DSP John added that a search conducted on the suspects led to the recovery of two knives suspected to have been used in furtherance of their unlawful activities.
The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, Mnipr, reiterated that no individual or group is above the law. While the Command recognises the importance of cultural heritage and traditional institutions, it strongly emphasised that cultural expressions must be exercised within the confines of the law and with due regard for public safety, individual rights and the maintenance of public order.
He further warned individuals and groups who engage in unlawful roadblocks, intimidation, extortion, possession or use of dangerous weapons, and other acts capable of disrupting public peace to desist forthwith, as the Command will not hesitate to arrest and prosecute anyone found culpable.
The Commissioner also directed officers across the State to sustain intelligence-led patrols, surveillance and enforcement operations to ensure strict compliance with government directives and prevent any attempt by individuals or groups to take the law into their own hands.
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command reassured residents that the protection of lives and property, preservation of public order and enforcement of the law remain its utmost priorities. Members of the public were encouraged to promptly report any suspicious activities, unlawful roadblocks, extortion or threats to public safety to the nearest police formation.
