Akwa Ibom Police Nab Masquerades Over Alleged Threats, Extortion

The suspects were allegedly found with masquerade costumes, machetes, spears and arrows during a police operation along the Ukana/Abak highway

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested two men suspected of involvement in alleged extortion and assault linked to Ekpo masquerade activities in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area.

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The state Police Public Relations Officer, Timfom John, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, saying the suspects were apprehended at about 6pm on Monday, October 26, along the Ukana/Abak highway.

The suspects were identified as Ine Isong, 29, from Ukana Ikot Esoh Village, and Emmanuel Ekpenyong, 20, from Ikono Local Government Area.

According to the police, officers arrested the two men during an operational show of force and allegedly recovered Ekpo masquerade costumes and attire, machetes, spears and arrows from them.

John said preliminary findings suggested that the suspects and other individuals allegedly involved in the activities had been terrorising residents and extorting money from unsuspecting members of the public.

The police spokesperson added that some innocent people, particularly women, were reportedly assaulted during the incidents.

He said investigations were ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged offences and identify other individuals who might have been involved.

The Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, warned against the misuse of cultural practices and masquerade activities as a means of intimidation, extortion or violence.

Azare stressed that although the command respected lawful cultural traditions, it would not tolerate individuals or groups using them to threaten public safety or take the law into their own hands.

The police said the command remained committed to maintaining peace and security across the state, while investigations into the allegations continued.

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The suspects’ arrest comes amid the police command’s warning that cultural activities must not be used as a cover for criminal conduct. The allegations against them remain subject to investigation.