The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has begun prosecution of a masquerade and the leader of a masquerade group over alleged cases of assault, highway blockade, and extortion carried out under the guise of cultural display.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, revealing that the suspects were apprehended following a distress call from residents about violent masquerade activities in the area.
According to the report, the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Azare, has also proscribed the operations of a coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) known as the “Akwa Ibom Civil Society Forum,” describing it as an unauthorized and misleading body.
DSP John explained that the arrests were made after police received intelligence about a masquerade group attacking citizens, blocking public roads, and extorting money from passersby.
“The perpetrators, armed with spears, arrows, machetes, and sticks, were also reported to have assaulted members of the public, including NYSC corps members,” John stated.
Investigations revealed that the leader of the “Ekpo” masquerade in one of the villages, identified as Uwem Umanah, aged 45, authorized the illegal display despite an existing ban on such public masquerade activities.
Police operatives promptly intervened and arrested Umanah, alongside another suspect, David Michael, aged 34, who was caught in full masquerade attire preparing to invade Ukana Onuk Village.
Both suspects have since been charged to court following thorough investigations. The Police Command reiterated its commitment to maintaining law and order, warning that no cultural or traditional practice would be allowed to threaten public safety.
Meanwhile, CP Azare, during a meeting with CSO leaders in Uyo, announced the immediate proscription of the “Akwa Ibom Civil Society Forum,” warning that its continued use of the name gives a false impression of being the official umbrella body for all CSOs in the state.
He directed all organizations to desist from operating under the unauthorized name and urged them to conduct their activities strictly within the boundaries of the law.
The meeting was attended by prominent civil society figures, including Franklyn Isong, Director of the Centre for Human Rights and Accountability Network, and Tijah Bolton-Akpan, Executive Director of Policy Alert.
