Rismadarvoice – 6th November 2025
Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested one Solomon Edem, a resident of Midim Waterside in Abak Local Government Area, for allegedly disguising as a masquerade to rob unsuspecting victims.
Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, disclosed this while briefing newsmen at the Command Headquarters, Ikot Akpan Abia, Uyo, following the enforcement of the State government’s ban on unlawful masquerade processions.
According to the Commissioner, the suspect, who had been operating under the guise of a masquerade, was arrested and charged to court.
Items recovered from him include a machete, two masquerade masks, charms and an animal skull.
Azare further confirmed the arrest of 45-year-old Uwem Umanah, identified as the leader of the “Ekpo” masquerade cult and 34-year-old David Michael, both from Ekpenyong Ikot Isang.
The duo were charged for illegal assembly, armed blockage of a public highway and extortion.
In a related development, the Police Command carried out a major sting operation on November 3, 2025, leading to the dismantling of an armed robbery syndicate specializing in motorcycle snatching across Akwa Ibom and Rivers States.
Those arrested include Sunday Samson, Imoh Peter, Saviour Jimmy, and Ubong Umana, with nine stolen motorcycles recovered as exhibits.
Similarly, one Eyibio Subsidy was apprehended for robbing a man of a Yamaha 5HP boat engine and an insecticide sprayer at Edeminyang Okoho, with a dane gun recovered from him.
Commissioner Azare reiterated the Command’s commitment to enforcing the ban on unlawful masquerade processions and ensuring the safety of all residents, warning that anyone hiding under cultural practices to commit crime would be decisively dealt with.
