Press Release
The Akwa Ibom Police have prosecuted two suspected Ekpo members accused of mounting armed roadblock, extorting from motorists and causing public disturbance in the state.
The police confirmed that they had arrested the masquerade leader and another after receiving a distress call 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.
A statement signed by DSP Timfon John, the Police Public Relations Officer, Akwa Ibom Command said ‘‘According to the information from the distress call, the perpetrators, armed with sphere arrows, machetes, sticks, and other weapons, were also physically assaulting members of the public, including NYSC members.
You may also read:
- Akwa Ibom Police investigate Murder of man in church
- Akwa Ibom police raid shrine, uncover coffins with women’s sanitary pads and fetish items
- Police Uncover masquerade mask in criminal’s hideout, Smash transformer Vandals
‘‘Investigation revealed that the leader of the “Ekpo” masquerade in the village, one Uwem Umanah ‘M’ aged 45 years, had authorized 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.”
John stated that ‘‘In a related development, 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 to court following a thorough investigation into the matter.
‘‘The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammad Azare fsi, reassures the general public of the Command’s unwavering commitment to maintaining public safety and order.
‘‘The police will not tolerate acts of lawlessness, intimidation, or violence under any guise including the unauthorized 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.
