By Akakan Umoh
Akwa Ibom State Police Command has nabbed three for their alleged involvement in violent and disorderly conduct in masquerade activities in Etinan Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom.
A press release signed by DSP Timfon John, Police Public Relations Officer, Akwa Ibom State Command on Saturday, said ‘‘On Friday, January 23, 2026, at about 1645 hours, the Command received a distress call from an anonymous source reporting a serious breach of public peace and violent activities by masquerades at Mbioto II Village, Etinan LGA.
‘‘Upon receipt of the information, Police operatives were promptly mobilised to the scene and arrested two suspected masquerades and their leader.
‘‘The suspects are: Kenneth Bassey (M), 31 years, Ofonime Isaac (M), 25 years and Paul Samuel Bassey (M), 21 years.
‘‘The suspects have been detained and are currently assisting the Police with ongoing investigations.’’
The PPRO said the command under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammad Azare, arrested three individuals in its sustained efforts to maintain peace and public order across the State.
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Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammad Azare, fsi, while commending the swift response of the Police operatives reiterates the Command’s unwavering commitment to maintaining public order and safety in all communities across Akwa Ibom State.
He stated that while the Command respects the State’s rich cultural heritage and traditional practices, any activity that degenerates into violence, intimidation, or constitutes a threat to public peace will be met with the full force of the law.
Recall that in December 2025 an Uyo High Court, Akwa Ibom State, awarded damages to a masquerade who was arrested by the state police for allegedly disturbing public peace during traditional worship rites.
The arrest followed an executive order reportedly issued by the state governor, directing the Commissioner of Police to detain any masquerade seen performing during the Yuletide period.
Acting on this directive, a masquerade identified as Mr. Effiong, a practitioner of traditional worship, was arrested and subsequently charged to court.
In a landmark ruling, the court sided with Mr. Effiong and his custodian, affirming that Ekpo, a recognised traditional religious practice in Akwa Ibom State, is protected under the law, and that its adherents are entitled to the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution.
Cross River Arrests three suspects for killing
The Cross River State Police Command has arrested three suspects over the k!lling of a suspected robber in Calabar.
The suspect was beaten unconscious by an angry mob in the early hours of Sunday, January 25, 2026 after he allegedly attempted to rob a woman in the Abangasang area of Mbora Street.
The spokesperson of the command, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, the command said the suspect was rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced d3ad.
“The Cross River State Police Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit, in the early hours of Sunday, 25th January 2026, successfully intervened to prevent a mob action against a suspected armed robber who was allegedly attempting to rob a lady in Calabar,” the statement read.
“The operation led to the recovery of a Beretta pistol with three live 9mm rounds of ammunition and the arrest of individuals involved in the mob attack.
“The suspect, who was beaten unconscious by an angry mob at Abangasang area, Mbora Street, Calabar, was rushed to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) for medical attention. Unfortunately, the victim, yet to be identified, was pronounced d3ad at the hospital in the early hours of this morning.”
The command said three suspects are currently in police custody and are assisting with the ongoing investigation.
“The victim’s body has been evacuated and deposited at the UCTH mortuary for preservation and autopsy, while a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident continues,” it added.
The Commissioner of Police in Cross River State, CP Rashid Afegbua, described the operation as a demonstration of the command’s commitment to crime prevention, protection of lives and adherence to the rule of law.
He condemned mob action and urged members of the public to hand over suspects to the police for proper investigation and prosecution.
This incident comes amid ongoing efforts by police forces to combat armed robbery and vigilante violence in urban areas.
Authorities have repeatedly warned against extrajudicial actions, which can complicate investigations and lead to unnecessary loss of life.
