October 31, 2025
Rismadarvoice – Uyo, Nigeria
Police in Akwa Ibom State have arrested a 45-year-old masquerade leader, Uwem Umanah, over alleged involvement in criminal activities including illegal assembly, armed blockade of a public highway and extortion.
The arrest followed a distress call from a concerned citizen (name withheld) reporting that members of a masquerade group were attacking passers-by, blocking a public road and extorting money from motorists and pedestrians.
According to the report, the group was armed with spears, machetes, sticks and other weapons and allegedly assaulted several members of the public, including National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members.
Preliminary investigations revealed that Umanah, identified as the leader of the “Ekpo” masquerade group in the village, authorized his members to don masks and parade in public in violation of an existing ban on such activities.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, said operatives of the Command swiftly mobilized to the scene and arrested Umanah, described as the mastermind of the unlawful acts.
The statement further confirmed the arrest of 34-year-old David Michael of Ikot Obong Edong, Ikot Ekpene, who was apprehended at Ukana Onuk Village in Essien Udim with a full set of masquerade regalia, allegedly preparing to join the disturbance.
Both suspects have been charged to court after what the Police described as a thorough investigation.
State Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammad Azare, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to maintaining public order and safety, warning that the police will not tolerate acts of violence, intimidation or lawlessness under any guise, including the misuse of cultural symbols to commit crime.
The Command urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to help prevent crime and ensure that all communities remain safe for lawful activities.
