Police nab three masquerades over street display in A’Ibom

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested three masquerades for allegedly displaying on the streets without authorisation and maiming innocent people

The State Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Azar,e disclosed this while briefing newsmen in Uyo on Monday.

Azare disclosed that the masquerades were arrested in the Eket Local Government Area of the state during the Ekid Day celebration, which was held on Saturday.

He noted that those injured by the masquerades were receiving medical treatment in undisclosed hospitals in the state.

He lamented that the action of the masquerades contravened the executive order recently signed by Governor Umo Eno banning masquerades from operating in the streets without due approval of the Police.

Two weeks ago, Eno had acknowledged his utmost respect for the culture and tradition, but stressed that his decision was prompted by the need to curb the menace of insecurity, chaos and nuisance perpetuated by masquerades, and to restore dignity and sanity in the society.

The CP said, “The Command is in compliance with the Executive Order of the Akwa Ibom State Government restricting masquerade activities to approved locations with mandatory police permission and security coverage.

“This measure has significantly reduced violence and disorder.”

Giving a breakdown of the Command’s achievements in 2025, the CP disclosed that 179 assorted arms and 323 ammunition were recovered within the year.

He also said that 563 suspects were arrested for various crimes and charged in court.

The commissioner also disclosed that 14 stolen vehicles were recovered and released to their owners, while 74 human trafficking victims were rescued and reunited with their families.

He said that 10 kidnapped victims were saved, adding that the Command secured 33 convictions in the year 2025.

In November, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command arrested a leader of a masquerade cultural group commonly called ”Ekpo” Uwem Umanah over alleged criminal activities.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, said the suspect was arrested after a distress call received from a concerned citizen (name withheld), which revealed that the masquerade cultural group was attacking citizens, blocking a public highway, and extorting money from members of the public.