The Police Command in Akwa Ibom State has stamped its feet to carry out its earlier warnings against individuals using masquerade festivals as a cover for criminal activities, violence, extortion, and public disturbance.
Accordingly, two individuals, including the leader of a masquerade cultural group have been arrested by the police for a series of criminal activities including illegal assembly, armed blockage of a public highway, and extortion.
DSP Timfon John LLB, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Akwa Ibom State Command announced the arrest in a press release in Uyo on Saturday, November 1, 2025.
DSP John said the arrest followed a distress call received from a concerned citizen (name withheld) reporting the illegal display of a masquerade cultural group that was attacking citizens, blocking a public highway, and extorting money from members of the public passing through the route.
She added that according to the information from the distress call, the perpetrators, armed with spears, arrows, machetes, sticks, and other weapons, were also physically assaulting members of the public, including NYSC members.
Related: Stop Using Masquerades To Perpetuate Criminal Activities—Police Commissioner Warns
“Investigation revealed that the leader of the “Ekpo” masquerade in the village, one Uwem Umanah ‘M’ aged 45 years, had authorised members of the group to wear masks and disguise themselves in masquerade costumes in public, despite an existing ban on such displays.
“Upon receipt of the information, Operatives of the Command immediately dispatched to the scene and arrested the alleged mastermind, Uwem Umanah,” the PPRO added.
In a related development, DSP John disclosed that “one David Michael ‘M’ aged 34 years of Ikot Obong Edong Village, was arrested at Ukana Onuk Village while in possession of complete masquerade costumes, preparing to invade the area.
The two suspects have been charged in court following a thorough investigation into the matter
She said the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammad Azare FSI, reassures the general public of the Command’s unwavering commitment to the maintenance of public safety and order.
“The police will not tolerate acts of lawlessness, intimidation, or violence under any guise, including the unauthorised use of cultural paraphernalia to perpetrate crime.
“Members of the public are urged to continue to provide timely and useful information to the police to prevent crime and ensure that all communities remain safe and secure for lawful activities,” she added.
